Shen Xiuhan climbed to the third floor. There were two rooms on the left side of the corridor.
One door stood wide open, and the room was empty;
The other room was at the far end of the corridor. Its wooden door was ajar, and the faint sound of pages turning came from within.
He stepped forward and knocked.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
A clear voice sounded from inside.
Shen Xiuhan pushed the door open, and the space before him opened up.
A breeze swept through the room and brushed his face.
Beyond the window lattice, the water glittered as though strewn with broken silver. The view was excellent.
Beside the window sat a young man reading a book.
He looked barely twenty, with delicate features and a hint of boyishness.
His clothes, however, were utterly at odds with his age and bearing.
He wore an animal-hide coat, gray-white fur around his shoulders, and tall boots.
An old-fashioned black longsword lay across the desk beside his hand.
This was Cloud Ripple Island's warden?
He was so young...
Though surprised, Shen Xiuhan kept his expression steady. He straightened his back and cupped his hands.
"Greetings, Warden. I am Shen Xiuhan, here to take up my post as ordered."
The young man in furs finally looked up from his book. His voice betrayed no emotion.
"Do you have proof of appointment?"
"Yes."
Shen Xiuhan took out the letter of introduction a Ji Family servant had delivered the day before and handed it over with the waist token Ji Zhong had given him.
The young man in furs accepted the letter. Surprise flashed across his face as he read it, and he looked back at Shen Xiuhan.
"A patrol envoy... You're a Bright Force martial artist?"
Shen Xiuhan answered without arrogance or deference.