"Is that Fire Marquis Liu?" A man sitting on another table nearby whispered, pointing toward a stout man with crimson robes and a flame-shaped jade ornament in his hair.
"And there's Lady Qinglan of the Azure Wind Pavilion. She's been refining pills that can regrow severed limbs," the man's companion added, impressed.
The lights dimmed slightly as a gong sounded, and the man in golden armor stepped forward onto the stage.
"Honored guests," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the courtyard, "we welcome you to the Golden Pearl Courtyard, the heart of Golden Scales City. Tonight is not just a celebration of trade and unity, but of resilience in the face of darkness. Let us raise our cups to prosperity, collaboration, and to those who safeguard our lands."
A resounding cheer echoed through the courtyard, and the cups were raised.
"To prosperity!"
"To unity!"
"To wine!" Daoist Chu added cheerfully.
