Placidium Peacekeeper

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 wanted to entrust his matters as quickly as possible.

"It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I have another request in coming here."

"Please, speak freely."

"As you know, I've been wandering Ionia, searching for a successor to Wuji."

Yi patted Jia Ruo's shoulder and continued, "My disciple here is the one, but my journey isn't over yet. So, I'd like to leave him in Placidium. He has fully learned the Wuji inheritance and now possesses some strength. With Neeko's help, I wonder if he could take on a position in Placidium."

"You mean as a peacekeeper, right?"

Karma guessed Yi's intention.

Yi's disciple should have guaranteed strength. That Vastaya named Neeko also has the ability to read minds, making her quite suitable.

"No problem. Placidium welcomes vibrant young people, and he's your disciple too."

"I'm afraid I'll be accused of favoritism by The Oracle for no reason."

"If Percy knew he was your disciple, he'd snatch him up immediately. There'd be no need for me to show favoritism. I'll send someone to escort the two of them to report in later."

"Thank you for your trouble, The Oracle. I won't impose any longer."

Yi rose and bowed.

Jia Ruo also stood up. Just as he was about to speak, Yi stopped him.

"Jia Ruo, remember my words. You must uphold courage and kindness in your heart. True strength doesn't come from the sword in your hand."

Yi said.

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

Jia Ruo's nose stung, and he kowtowed.

Yi turned and walked out. Jia Ruo's voice followed him.

"Disciple will never bring shame to Wuji."

Good child, spread your own wings and fly.

Yi's heart was also filled with reluctance, but he still walked out without stopping.

"You and your disciple have a very strong bond."

Karma smiled faintly and called a monk, asking him to lead Jia Ruo and Neeko to the leader of the guard, Percy.

"If you have any trouble, you can come to me for a solution."

"Thank you, Oracle."

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

The monk led Jia Ruo and Neeko slowly out of the side hall and away from the monastery.

"Please follow me, it's not far ahead."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Jia Ruo had grown accustomed to the Ionian way of speaking. Their accent, similar to a dialect, differed from the common tongue but was pleasant and melodious.

It matched the Ionian people's consistently peaceful tone perfectly.

The culture of every land could influence the people it carried.

Jia Ruo felt he could already be considered half Ionian—he had mastered their language, etiquette, customs, and culture.

He adhered to them and loved them.

Across a block from the monastery was the headquarters of the Placidium Guard.

The building was similar to the monastery, just not as tall, but at least twenty meters high, and it also included a vast open-air training ground.

Following the high walls of the training ground, they walked towards the main entrance of the headquarters, which was an entrance like the monastery's.

In front of the gate were still two guard Warrior Monks. Seeing the monk leading the way, they did not stop them.

The three entered the foyer directly.

Continuing to follow the monk, Jia Ruo and Neeko turned a corner in the hall and arrived in front of a room.

"Is Master Percy here?"

The monk gently knocked on the door.

"Enter."

A steady, deep voice answered.

The monk pushed open the wooden door and let Jia Ruo and Neeko in.

Jia Ruo did not look around; that would be impolite.

But he could still sense that this was a room about the same size as Karma's meditation chamber.

There were just more furnishings. Besides the tea table and cushions on the floor, there were also racks holding weapons on both sides, and a row of bookshelves against the wall.

Seated cross-legged on a cushion behind the tea table was a middle-aged man with darker skin, a sturdy build, and his medium-length black hair tied back behind his head.

This must be Master Percy, the one the monk mentioned earlier.

The monk bowed, "These two were recommended by Master Yi and The Oracle. Perhaps they can serve as peacekeepers."

He then gestured towards Jia Ruo, "This is Master Yi's disciple."

"Hmm, I see. You may go."

"Then I shall take my leave."

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

"Please sit."

Percy pointed to the cushions in front of the tea table.

"Hello, Master Percy." Jia Ruo and Neeko didn't stand on ceremony and sat down cross-legged.

"Hmm, you are... Yi's disciple?"

"Yes, my name is Jia Ruo. I am fortunate to follow my master's teachings of Wuju. I know some sword techniques, and my master sent me here for training."

"My name is Neeko, and I'm with Jia Ruo. I can sense people's hearts and use plant magic."

Neeko introduced herself as well.

"Since you were recommended by The Oracle and Master Yi, I naturally don't doubt your character. However, I still need to assess you to understand your abilities and make a decision. Do you have any objections?"

"We will do as you arrange."

"Good. My full name is Gardner Percy. I don't like to waste words, so let's begin."

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

"Come, I'll take you to the training grounds."