The national TV broadcasted the funeral, the camera panning over the somber crowd. The anchor, a man with a mick, spoke into the microphone. "Here we are at War God Luo Xin's funeral. The Hall of Heroes is filled with warriors and dignitaries come to pay their respects."
Kia stepped out of the car, dressed in a sleek black suit, his eyes hidden behind shades. The rest of the Fire Hammer team flanked him, their faces stern. As they entered the Hall, Kia's gaze swept the room, taking in the sea of black-cl clad figures.
He noticed the national television crew, their cameras capturing the somber atmosphere. "Our City doesn't have many War Gods," he whispered to Jin, his voice barely audible over the dirge music. "So he will be mourned by the whole nation."
Jin's expression was stoic, but his eyes flicked to Kia, a hint of approval in them. "Let's pay our respects."
As they moved through the crowd, whispers followed. "Ice Sword Killer's here..." "Luo Xin's successor..." Kia's ears burned, but he kept his focus on the coffin ahead.
The General's eulogy boomed through the hall. "Luo Xin, a hero of our time... his sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Kia's grip on his saber's hilt tightened. He remembered Luo Xin's words, his smile. The music swelled, and the crowd rose, a sea of black.
Kia's thoughts were elsewhere when a familiar voice snapped him back. Su Lena and her brother stood before him, a stern-looking man in the front row caught his eye. "Grandpa," Su Lena called him.
Kia's eyes narrowed. "That must be the Head of the Su family," he whispered to Jin.
Jin nodded, urging Kia forward. "Come, let's go meet a few people."
As they approached, Su Lena's brother's expression turned icy. Kia remembered the tension between them, but a friend appeared, breaking the awkwardness.
"Feng, Kia," the friend greeted, eyes darting between them.
Su Feng's nickname, "Heng," earned a chuckle from Kia. "Long time no see, Su Feng," Heng said, clapping Feng on the back.
Feng's expression turned serious. "Yeah, in the wilderness, Heng."
Heng's gaze landed on Kia. "Ohhh, Feng, I exclaim. That guy Kia... he's stronger than you think. The rumor in the military headquarters is he's got a title now - Ice and Snow Kia. His blade technique's unique."
Feng's eyes widened. "Yeah, it's like Luo Xin's own."
Their conversation faded as Kia's attention snapped to two figures walking by. "Foreigners," he whispered to Jin.
Jin's voice dropped. "That's the Kylin clan, one of the 5 major clans in the Shadow Alliance. The giant's Shi, a beginner stage senior warrior. The other's Mu... very dangerous. He's almost a god of war."
Kia's eyebrows rose as they passed, heading towards Zhuo Ming. "Why are they meeting him?" Kia wondered.
Jin's expression was thoughtful. "These two and Zhuo Ming... they know each other. Looks like they're on a special mission."
The sound of a fighter jet outside cut through the air, ending Kia's speculations
As everybody filed outside, Kia's eyes widened. "I can't believe a warplane's landing here," he whispered.
Jin nodded, his expression serious. "It's a Superior in the Shadows Martial Club."
The war fighter jet's engines died, and a figure descended, his aura rippling through the crowd like a shockwave. Kia's eyes snapped to him, his heart racing.
"That's...?" he breathed.
Jin's voice was low. "Senator Bia Zhang."
Kia's eyes narrowed. "I once met him on the day of my field test. Who is he?"
Jin's expression turned thoughtful. "Senator Bia's one of the dignitaries in the Shadows Martial Club, second only to the founder. He's got his own team, known as Killers. They've got a huge rep, second only to Hang, the founder's legendary team."
Kia's eyes widened. "What team?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
Jin chuckled, a hint of a smile on his face. "Don't worry, when you get stronger, you'll have access to that kind of info."
The funeral ended, each person paying their respects to Luo Xin. As the crowd dispersed, Kia's thoughts lingered on Senator Bia and the Shadows Martial Club.