Locust Tree Village, as always tranquil and serene, the local families' mongrel dogs were undeterred by the chill, scampering all around the village while the children's cheeks reddened from the cold, their big round eyes blinking rapidly as they stared at passersby.
One old three-section mansion in the village, positioned neatly to the east of Locust Tree Village, sat upon the land as if atop the head of a dragon, blessed with excellent feng shui.
In the grand hall of the mansion were rosewood furniture exclusively, with a portrait of a warlord on horseback, sword in hand, hanging in the central spot. On either side, there were landscape paintings and other works of art, as well as an antique shelf adorned with what appeared to be ancient bottles and pots.
At that moment, two men were smoking and talking.
