Wu Hall was abuzz with noise. It hadn't taken long for gossip to begin surrounding the mysterious Lu Clan Elder who had suddenly come out from seclusion, only to demand a place amongst the Guardians. It was unheard of for someone of his cultivation to stoop to being a Guardian of the Wu Clan's young clansmen, no matter how promising they might be. Many curious glances were darted down towards the four masked men, all in black, currently kneeling on cushions before Clan Leader Wu, patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Clan Leader Lu Chan sat just to the right of the Wu Clan Leader, and young Wu Ying sat at his left. Both Leaders appeared relaxed as they gazed out at the whispering crowd.

'I hear your youngest son will actually be vying for the sword quest this time.' Lu Chan said with a smile.

'Yes, yes. I can't believe he chose that quest, but he's been set on it for many years now. I couldn't refuse him.' Wu Bao nodded, his face grave.

'I've heard many good things about that boy,' Lu Chan answered nonchalantly. 'With a strong Guardian, I'm sure he'll bring Shandian back into your Wu Hall along with great honor.'

Wu Bao nodded, then casually glanced at the four masked guardians.

'Which one is Elder Lu Yong?' He asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Lu Chan laughed and said lightly, 'Feel the auras.'

Wu Bao quickly closed his eyes and reached out with his qi. A monstrous frozen presence suddenly reared up before him, and he quickly pulled his qi back, his breath quickening. His eyes snapped open as he stared unbelieving at the man on the second cushion.

'Frightening, isn't it?' chuckled Lu Chan as he patted the shocked Leader on the back.

'What a strong Guardian he will make.' Wu Bao said, as he removed a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

Just then, a small commotion was heard, and all the twittering voices came to a stop. Eight young men stepped through the great wooden doors and entered the now silent Wu Hall. Each was dressed for battle, and silver masks covered their faces. Supple silver robes overlaid with steel armor tiles shone over pale green under robes, while soft boots of silver whispered over the floor. Various sword pommels glittered dangerously in the light of the glowing lanterns that lit the chamber. The crowd was pleased. These young men were the pride of the Wu Clan, and it showed.

Despite the matching clothes, all eyes were drawn to the tall young man with the double swords riding on his hips. There was no mistaking Wu Chen. No mask could hide his graceful steps nor the strong aura he exuded.

The eight silver clad youths stopped in a neat row behind the four kneeling men dressed in black robes and masked in equal darkness. The contrast was striking, and many nodded their heads in outright approval. The Yin and Yang of the partnership was quite clear to those watching.

Wu Bao cleared his throat, and all eyes turned towards him. He rose solemnly from his chair, his hands tucked elegantly inside his silver robes. This was an important ceremony, and he took his role very seriously.

'Centuries ago, a great battle took place.' He began softly. He had no need to raise his voice, as his entire audience was filled with cultivators. They could easily hear without the need for any assistance. 'During this great battle, an evil god was vanquished, but the cost was steep.' Everyone in the hall lowered their heads. Thousands had died in the Battle of Serpents, and the horror was not lost on anyone.

'At the end of the battle, two stood alone against the darkness.' Leader Lu Chan continued, rising slowly to his feet, his voice shaking. 'Lu Yong, of the Lu Clan, and Wu Chen of the Wu Clan.' Heads turned swiftly towards the young man standing amongst the eight youths. Some names were common amongst the population, but no one could deny the strange coincidence that was occurring during this year's ceremony. What were the odds that two like-named individuals would be in the same grouping?

'In that final battle against the evil god himself, Lu Yong was mortally wounded. Though they had defeated the Serpent, there was no way Lu Yong would be there to celebrate the victory with his ward. As Lu Yong prepared his farewell, Wu Chen suddenly shouted at him. 'You are supposed to be my Guardian, Lu Yong! That was our agreement!'

A gong suddenly pealed through the chamber, and even those who had witnessed this before jumped and shuddered at the mournful sound!

'Wu Chen then slit his arm, and blood rushed forth onto his friend's chest.' continued Wu Bao, his voice strong in the silence. ''A promise was made to me, so his life is mine!' shouted Wu Chen to the sky!'

Another peal of the gong and hearts began to slam in the darkened room.

'A heavenly voice answered the angry hero, 'I hear you, mortal, but the price is great. Are you willing to pay it?' Wu Bao hissed that line out in unmistakable anger. That mysterious god was no benefactor in his eyes. 'Wu Chen dropped to his knees and cried out, 'Yes! Yes! Give Lu Yong his life, and I will pay whatever price you ask!''

The gong sounded a third time, and everyone's hearts almost stopped in breathless anticipation.

'The voice came once again. 'So be it, mortal. Until your life debt is paid, the Lu Clan must forever be the Guardians of the Wu Clan when their juniors venture forth on their Clan Quests, just as Lu Yong was for yours. However, you will return with me as my slave for the rest of eternity. This is the price you must pay.'

Lu Chan snuck a glance at the imposing figure on the second cushion and couldn't help but notice the clenched fists shaking at his sides. This must be truly difficult to listen to, he thought to himself.

'From that day forth,' Lu Chan swiftly continued, tearing his eyes from the pitiful form, 'the Lu Clan has upheld the agreement between the clans! Though we have yet to pay the life-debt of the great Wu Chen, we still hope that one day we can either repay the enormous favor to our clan, or find a way to release Wu Chen from the mysterious god who holds him prisoner.'

'For the Debt!' The black clad men bellowed as one, and the gong sounded for the last time.

Four bowls were delivered before the kneeling men, as the crowd watched with baited breath. Each quickly removed a black handled dagger from their sleeves and made a harsh slit across their hands. They held these steady hands over the bowls as though the pain meant nothing.

Red liquid slowly pooled and reflected darkly in the light, while the men began chanting quietly to themselves. Power began to gather around them, and within each of the bowls, a small red orb began to form. More and more power gathered until the room practically crackled with qi. Suddenly, a bright flash burst through the chamber, blinding everyone within.

Floating above each of the black clad men was a red glass orb pulsing with unreleased power.

As one, the Guardians turned to face the silver clad youths. The Wu clansmen stepped back in perfect synchronization and created a wide circle in front of the black robed Guardians.

'Demon of Tai!' yelled Wu Bao.

Two young men separated themselves from the circle and entered the center of the makeshift arena. Both carried long swords and were prepared for battle. They turned as one and bowed respectfully to both Clan Leaders, then bowed to the Guardians seated before them. Taking their stances, they turned and faced each other calmly.

'Begin!' shouted Lu Chan.

The men dove at each other, their swords ringing as they met, sparks flying. Though they were graceful, and their swordplay was practiced and smooth, it wasn't long before the victor stood in the center of the field. The young man dropped to one knee and presented his sword to the Guardians before him, his armor glittering in the lantern light. The sword rested easily on his outstretched hands as he shouted, 'Honorable Guardian, travel with me!'

The red orbs began to pulse faster until one began pulsing brighter than all the rest. The Guardian beneath the orb clasped it in his bloodied hand and slammed it down on the sword before him. Both men glowed brightly for a moment, and the third Guardian rose from his cushion to help the youth up.

'This Guardian will travel with you.' he said quietly, and both removed their masks and handed them to the awaiting servant. Then each turned, bowed to the two Leaders, and took their seats at the Table of Honor.

'Immortal Battlefield!' shouted Wu Bao.

Two more young men entered the arena. They bowed to the Leaders and then to the Guardians. They took their stances, swords and armor tiles shining in the lantern glow.

'Begin!' shouted Lu Chan.

Once again, swords met each other fiercely. The match was slightly more even this time, and the ringing of steel swept through the hall like wind in a firestorm! Back and forth, the young men battled, sweat soaking their robes as they vied for their chance. Finally, a parry was missed, and an opening was made. The victor stood in the center, chest heaving. Then he dropped lightly to one knee, presented his sword, and repeated the phrase, 'Honorable Guardian, travel with me!'

This time, the orb over the first Guardian flared, and with a bloodied hand, he too slammed it down on the sword before him. Although the glow surrounding the two wasn't nearly as bright as the first pair, it was there.

'This Guardian will travel with you.' he said quietly as he helped the young man up. Their masks were removed and handed to the servant. They bowed respectfully and joined the previous team at their table.

'Shandian Sword!' yelled Wu Bao. His voice shook slightly when announcing this quest.

Wu Chen stepped into the arena along with another young man. They both bowed to the Leaders and to the Guardians, then turned to face each other.

Wu Chen calmly drew his swords from their scabbards and faced the young man. One sword was held high in his right hand, and the other held before him in his left.

His opponent glared at him as he, too, raised double swords. His long sword was held high in his right hand, and a short sword held low in his left.

'Begin!' shouted Lu Chan.

'You already have Xiao Lei. Why do you need a second powerful sword? Are you really that greedy?' growled Wu Peng as he slowly began to circle Wu Chen in preparation to attack.

'The sword called to me, not you.' replied Wu Chen quietly, his eyes never leaving Wu Peng.

Suddenly, Wu Peng lunged forward. His short sword stabbed towards Wu Chen's center, while his long sword swung towards his throat. Wu Chen blocked both swords effortlessly, then he began his attack.

His swords danced circles around his opponent, and the crowd gasped at the grace and elegance of his maneuvers. The two swords swirled, and suddenly, Wu Peng felt a sting on his left wrist. His short sword dropped to the ground as he spun in a futile attempt to gain some distance from the sword wielding immortal before him.

Wu Chen twirled, right sword flashing towards Wu Peng's throat, while his left rose from below to batter the remaining long sword straight into the air. Wu Peng swallowed at the sword blade hovering just a hair's distance from his skin. He didn't dare breathe.

'The sword called to me, Wu Peng. Let it end here.' he stated quietly to his stunned opponent. Then he sheathed his long sword and returned quickly to the center of the arena. Dropping to one knee, he presented Xiao Lei on his outstretched hands. Proudly, he shouted, 'Honorable Guardian, travel with me!'

The orbs floating over the remaining two Guardians began to spin crazily until finally, a burst of bright light flashed down. Lu Yong grasped his orb quickly in his bloody hand, ignoring the sting of his wound. With his whole being, he slammed it down on Wu Chen's sword, only to be enveloped by a brilliant glow that encased the entire chamber.

Still enmeshed in the blinding glow, he answered, 'This Guardian will travel with you.' To himself, he whispered, 'Only with you.'