Precidian Sheriff

Neeko was still pondering Karma's words when Yi spoke first.

He knew Karma didn't have much time today; she still had to prepare for the evening meeting.

Yi needed to make arrangements as soon as possible.

"To be honest, I have another request."

"Please, go ahead."

"As you know, I've been traveling around Ionia, searching for a successor to the Wuju."

Yi patted Jia Ruo on the shoulder and continued, "This disciple of mine is that successor. But my journey isn't over yet, so I'd like to leave him in Placidium. He's learned everything the Wuju has to offer, and he's already quite capable. With Neeko's help as well, I was wondering if he might be able to take a position in Placidium."

"You mean as a sheriff, right?"

Karma had guessed what Yi had in mind.

Yi's disciple should be more than capable, and the Vastaya named Neeko had the ability to read minds. They seemed like a good fit.

"That won't be a problem. Placidium welcomes spirited young people, especially when one of them is your disciple."

"Sorry to trouble the Oracle with the appearance of favoritism."

"If Percy knew he was your disciple, he'd be eager to take him on himself. There's no way I'd be the one showing favoritism. I'll send someone to help them register in a moment."

"Thank you for your help, Oracle. I won't keep you any longer."

Yi rose and bowed.

Jia Ruo also stood up and was about to speak, but Yi stopped him.

"Jia Ruo, remember what I told you. You must hold fast to the courage and compassion in your heart. A true warrior doesn't rely on the sword in his hand."

Yi said.

"I'm leaving. Take good care of yourself."

Jia Ruo's nose stung. He bowed down and touched his forehead to the ground.

Yi turned and walked out. Behind him, Jia Ruo's voice rang out.

"Your disciple will never bring shame upon the Wuju."

Good boy. Spread your wings and fly.

Yi's heart was heavy with reluctance, but he kept walking without stopping.

"You and your disciple are very close."

Karma smiled faintly, then called over a monk and asked him to take Jia Ruo and Neeko to Percy, the leader of the sheriffs.

"If you run into any trouble, you can come to me."

"Thank you, Oracle."

Jia Ruo and Neeko stood and bowed, then followed the monk.

The monk led Jia Ruo and Neeko slowly out of the monastery's side hall.

"Please follow me. It's not far."

"Thank you for your help."

Jia Ruo had grown accustomed to the way Ionians spoke. Their accents were a little different from the common tongue, almost like a dialect, but they were pleasant and lilting.

Their way of speaking suited the Ionians' usual gentle manner.

The culture of every land shaped the people who lived there.

Jia Ruo felt he could now be considered half Ionian—he had learned Ionia's way of speaking, its customs and etiquette, and its culture.

He followed and cherished them.

The headquarters of the Precidian Guard stood just one block away from the monastery.

Its building was much like the monastery, though not as imposing. It was at least twenty meters tall, and the grounds also included a large open-air Training Ground.

Following the tall wall around the Training Ground, they headed toward the headquarters' main entrance, which looked much like the monastery's.

Two Warrior Monks still stood guard at the entrance. When they saw the monk leading the way, they didn't stop them.

The three of them went straight inside.

Following the monk, Jia Ruo and Neeko turned through the hall and came to a room.

"Is Master Percy in?"

The monk knocked gently on the door.

"Come in."

A deep, steady voice answered.

The monk opened the wooden door and ushered Jia Ruo and Neeko inside.

Jia Ruo didn't look around; that would have been rude.

Still, he could tell the room was about the same size as Karma's meditation chamber.

There were more furnishings, though. Besides the low table and cushions on the floor, weapon racks stood along both sides of the room, and a row of bookshelves lined the wall.

A middle-aged man with dark skin and a stocky build sat cross-legged on a cushion behind the low table. His shoulder-length black hair was tied back.

This must be Master Percy, the monk had mentioned.

The monk bowed. "These two were recommended by Master Yi and the Oracle. They may be suited to serve as sheriffs."

He gestured toward Jia Ruo. "This is Master Yi's disciple."

"All right, I understand. You may go."

"Then I'll take my leave."

The monk turned and left, closing the door behind him.

"Please, sit."

Percy gestured toward the cushions in front of the low table.

"Greetings, Master Percy." Jia Ruo and Neeko sat cross-legged without hesitation.

"All right. You're... Yi's disciple?"

"Yes. My name is Jia Ruo. I'm fortunate to have inherited the Wuju from my master. I know a little swordsmanship, and my master asked me to train under you."

"I'm Neeko. I came with Jia Ruo. I can sense people's thoughts, and I can use Plant Magic."

Neeko introduced herself as well.

"Since the Oracle and Yi recommended you, I have no reason to doubt your character. But I still need to assess you so I can understand your abilities and decide whether to take you on. Do you have any objections?"

"We'll do whatever you decide."

"Good. My full name is Gardner Percy. I don't care for long-winded talk, so let's get started."

Percy stood up. Jia Ruo looked at the man, who was a head and a half taller than him. He had to be over two meters tall, which was truly rare in Ionia.

"Come on. I'll take you to the Training Ground."