Could Shalin really be using soldiers like these to guard its borders? They were truly shabby, nothing like the rumors. As expected... some rumors couldn't be fully trusted... Xia Zuo found it amusing. The corners of his mouth lifted as he looked down at the elderly soldier and asked, "What are you doing here?"
"We are carrying out our duties. First, to prevent unidentified armies from invading. Second, to prevent lawbreakers from entering Shalin. Third, to prevent illegal merchants from smuggling goods. Fourth..." The elderly soldier gripped his spear tightly, his expression tense and his tone stiff. It was clearly something he had memorized by rote. Xia Zuo even doubted whether the man understood what he was saying. "...Seventh, to inspect whether entry documents are legal and complete. Eighth..."
"Enough, stop!" Xia Ya interrupted the old man's recitation. Raising his brows, he asked, "So, according to you, if my men and I want to enter Shalin, we have to present travel permits? Otherwise, we can only turn around and leave?"
"Actually... you have already entered Shalin. So whether you wish to leave or not, you must provide legal and complete entry documents. Otherwise, it is illegal entry." The elderly soldier hesitated before forcing himself to answer.
"Ha!" Xia Zuo could not help opening his mouth in laughter. Looking at the old and young soldiers, then at the five hundred cavalrymen beside him, he felt as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world. His twin mustaches trembled as he laughed.
"Did I hear wrong, or did you say it wrong? The two of you want to inspect me? And if I refuse?" After laughing for quite a while, Xia Ya wiped the smile from his face and asked the two soldiers.
The elderly soldier's expression changed. He took