Moon Tavern.

On the surface, it looked like a regular tavern located in the heart of the Capital City of the Jade Empire. A homey little establishment where the common folk could order a hot meal, share a cup of wine with friends.

In reality, it was a famous gathering place for all sorts of warriors across the land. Wandering martial artists, legendary swordsmen and women, mystical scholars, to even spiritual cultivators. Both hot blooded and wizened talents from all corners of the empire and from all walks of life.

It was operated by a young master, who everyone refers to as Martial Kim. Not only was he the owner of the Moon Tavern, he shares a strong passion for justice and would always lend a hand in the martial arts community.

Especially when it comes to investigating mysterious murders, deaths, or crimes within the martial arts world.

In years of training and experience, Martial Kim and his followers would use those gained skills to solve problems and mysteries wherever they crop up, doing their part to make the lands and Empire a better place.

Among his helpers was a young girl, who everyone referred to as Martial Blue Sister.

A young woman who worked hard from prepping the kitchen, cleaning the tables, as well as taking on tasks in and out of the capital on Martial Kim’s behalf.

She, like her fellows under Martial Kim’s employ, was a skilful martial artist. A talent who wielded a power called [Azure Dragon’s Flowing Water] which allows her to manipulate the shape and movement of water and liquid bodies around her. It was also incredibly convenient when cleaning up spills or mopping the floor in seconds.

Like all great warriors, she had a great weakness.

Every day when facing customer after customer, she would scream in her mind:

(Please gods no! I’m an introvert, stay away from me!)

Socializing with others was not Martial Blue Sister’s strong suit. While some thrive in being in the company of others, she prefers to either hide in a closet or in a corner to avoid being part of a conversation. She went as far as practising a unique evasion skill called <<Micro Steps On a Lake>>, a series of fancy footwork to allow her to glide in and out of battle.

So it was very easy for her to move away from noisy tables or crowded talks as smooth as flowing streams.

When that was not enough for a relief, she would always seek out the Martial Kim for advice. Or at least an excuse from handling loud customers every day.

“Ah. Martial Blue Sister. Right on time.” Martial Kim would chirp. He hands several orders written on rolls of bamboo sheets tied together as mini-scrolls to his waiters and staffs before he brushed his hands on his hanbok and adjusted his wide brim hat to greet the blue haired girl.

“There’s no escaping your fate in hiding from others, my dear,” He would say, “You stand out like a koi fish in a point with that vibrant blue hair of yours.”

“Sorry. I just need, need a short break.” Martial Blue Sister would pant, physically exhausted. And it hasn’t been two hours into her shift!

“What you need is a change of pace. Last few weeks has been hectic, especially after we hosted the Heavenly Falcon Clan’s dinner party for 60 people,” Martial Kim would laugh and rummaged his hands under the wine counters.

Normally he would show his passion of mixing exotic wines and liquors to give birth to a new taste, to cheer up others. After opening Moon Tavern, he took it upon himself to come up with clever ways to attract customers. So his trademark [Dance of the Peach Wine Saints] juggling trick with bottles that flip and fly like a flock of elegant fairies would always draw a crowd.

Instead of a wine mixing show, he pulled out an expensive looking poster. “This came in bright and early. A Missing Person’s case. I believe this would be a suitable job for you, to take your mind off serving tables.”

Martial Blue Sister picked it up and gave it a glance. She was grateful, but she hesitated. “Will you be alright though, Martial Kim? Martial Yellow Sister is still on sick leave, and Martial Green Sister hasn’t come back from her current job.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine! Not to worry!” Martial Kim would laugh, waving a hand to greet new patrons. “Ah. Do please pick up Martial Red Sister. Not like she’ll be any help here, she hates tavern work. She is more suited for the field and her experience will be of benefit to you. I’m sure of it!”

Martial Blue Sister could not help but give Martial Kim a small and humble bow. She removed her work apron and folded it neatly onto the counter, before taking the poster with her.

Normally she wouldn’t complain over small details, however she decided to voice them and run back to the counter. “WHY IS THE REWARD RIDICULOUSLY HIGH!? DOESN’T THE PAYMENT REFLECT THE DIFFICULTY OF THE MISSION!?”

Martial Kim couldn’t hide a sparkling grin. “Moon Tavern’s future renovation project rests on your shoulders my dear! No pressure!”

“I AM STRESSED FOR A TOTALLY DIFFERENT REASON NOW!”