The west – Temple of the Kirin
The west is a region of Tu that is renowned for it's swordmasters and weapon smiths. Some would even argue that the fist sword was made in this region. Needless to say is that the people of The West honor their ancient tradions. To become a master swordsman is regarded as one of the highest honors a man can achieve. People who never have visted the west often believe that there are more swordsmanship schools then rice farms in the region. That however is not true. Last week a new ricefarm was opened and it is now a draw. That is how the joke goes. However there are many swordmanshipschools and the most famous is the Temple of the Kirin, headed by grandmaster Jian bing.
The Temple of the Kirin is a huge complex. It is not only a school for swordsmanship but also a place of worship. A place where comon people can go to bring offerings for The white tiger, say a prayer or for spiritual guidance. At the western corner lies the School of Grandmaster Jian Bing. The school itself is a walled complex measuring about 3 acres in size. Within the walls there are several buildings, all located around a large courtyard where most of the training takes place. Some buildings where dormentories while others are training halls. Legend goes that the school of Jian Bing was the first swordmanshipschool in all of Tu.
Most students where send to the school by their masters. Hoping on a chance to study under the grandmaster himself. However getting entry is not that easy, in fact most wannabe aprentices get turrned down before even laying an eye on Grandmaster Bing himself. Initial selection is done by the grandmaster's first apprentice, master Dao Wong.
Dao was standing inside the courtyard. In front of him where dozens of swordsmen, all sitting on their knees waiting patiently for their turn. The large Lyn looked at the men and simply yelled “next”. A pale skinned Jin stood up and walked towards master Wong. As Dao wanted to hand over a boken (wooden practise sword) to the man the guys simply smirked and drew his sword. As the sunlight bounced of from the shiny blade, the man spoke. “I don't need such a child toy! I will simply kill you here and become the grandmaster's apprentice.” Dao nodded and pointed his boken at the man. “as you wish”
The Jin charged at the large Lyn and raised his sword for an attack. As he brougth his sword down to slash the Tiger Dao moved forward with great speed, striking with his wooden sword at the man's thump. The sound of bones crack filled the air as the man grabbed his thump. Yelling in agony “You broke it! You my thump you motherfucker! How am I going to hold a sword now, you basterd!”
Dao looked at the man in front of his feet and smiled. “You will never hold a sword again. Next!”