Customs Hall.
The spacious hall was bright and spotless, its smooth tiles pleasant underfoot. Everyone had to queue to pass through a narrow corridor.
Qiao Jin passed through a peculiar device that seemed to inspect her. Snake Demon Soldiers beside it watched for abnormalities. After confirming to someone on the other side that she was not a Demonic Beast, they let her through. Qiao Jin followed the instructions and slowly queued forward.
She arrived at a counter.
"Race."
"Hu... human." Qiao Jin felt that human was probably right.
"Name and age. If you can write, put it on the paper. If not, tell me directly."
"I can write."
She took the slim pen and swiftly wrote down her name on the rough paper, finding it easier to use than a brush.
The female snake demon in special attire checked the rough paper and filled out the form in a small booklet. Then she placed it beneath a strange device, pulled the handle, and pressed down hard!
Bang! A square red seal was stamped in place.
"Don't lose it. This is your identification within the territory. You'll need it for lodging and mailing letters. Without identification, you'll be regarded as an illegal entrant and arrested."
"O... okay." Qiao Jin found it all very strange.
The female snake demon continued her routine work, explaining the rules with the indifference of a cold-blooded creature still written across her face.
"Welcome to the Flood Dragon Demon King's territory. Please obey the law. Private use of violence is strictly forbidden. Do not harm flowers, grass, trees, birds, or beasts. Maintain cleanliness. Enjoy your stay."
Qiao Jin dazedly accepted the booklet, then passed through a corridor and emerged outside.
Beyond the Customs Hall lay a busy, neat road crowded with people. Having just arrived, she felt