THE VILLAGE in the valley was ridiculous next to Beiming City. The latter was three to four times the size and even more crowded. It had taken them three days to reach it, and when they approached the town, they had to send two young men to buy some things for Ayden.

      While the group had gotten to know the berserker and become accustomed to his appearance and behaviour, the man was still too noticeable in their environment. A-Hui had to spend a long time reassuring a farmer who had crossed their path that the red-haired man was not a demon and that he had not taken them prisoner. It was only when A-Feng entered the discussion and took control of it that things finally calmed down. As much as to say that none of them wanted to create a panic by entering the city with Ayden.

      The redhead was also becoming familiar with the wooden architecture of this region. In the middle of the numerous open-air stalls, many shops of all kinds were selling clothes and herbs. Ayden had made up his mind as he looked at the wooden sign with its peculiar characters: he could understand the people here, read their writing, even though he had never lived in this place. The stranger had become a familiar friend in the last few days, but the actual difference was the relief. The reassuring recognition of things like the donkeys and buffaloes Ayden saw passing by.

      Yes, at this point, he was even glad to see chickens.

      Some people looked at him curiously, intrigued to see this tall hooded figure among the young disciples of the Beiming Lu clan. A few more daring people dared to approach A-Hui to glean some information under cover of politeness. However, the young man, experienced in the art of discussion, systematically circumvented the questions with a few well-placed polite formulas. Without answers and good reasons to keep the apprentices of the Beiming Lu clan, people could only watch them leave.

      It took several hours of walking to get through the entire city, and by the time they reached the other end, it was well into the afternoon. Then, finally, they entered a new forest and walked up the path to the Jade Palace, a few hours away. Ayden had finally learned the name of these long, green trees: bamboos.

   These were extremely practical: consumable at the sprout stage, they could be used for all kinds of manufacturing after growing, such as gourds, flutes or during constructions as scaffolding. The bamboo was straight but flexible, its strong roots deeply embedded in the ground as it grew towards the sky. Its leaves were sharp, but they took part in the cycle of nature by feeding the earth when they fell. It was the city’s symbol and, by extension, the emblem of the Beiming Lu clan.

      When they finally reached the top of the mountain, towering over the bamboo forest, Ayden stopped and turned around, letting the wind blow his hood down to release his flamboyant hair. On the horizon, the sun was setting, bathing the sky in shimmering, blazing colours. The city of Beiming was gradually illuminated as the darkness set in, and in the heart of this green valley, it glittered ever more brightly.

      “Let’s go. Our clan leader is waiting for us,” A-Feng said to him after a moment.

      “Hm.”

      Ayden turned away from the scene to follow the younger men, the path gradually widening until it finally revealed the Jade Palace. The estate was actually housed in a mountain, the rock walls forming a natural barrier around it and offering only one entrance. The place was of considerable size, with multiple wooden pavilions. Bamboo was everywhere, both to hide certain buildings and to separate areas.

      Without a hood to keep him out of sight, Ayden was an actual moving target, and the young people training or studying all turned their attention to him when he arrived. And despite their attempts to remain discreet, the warrior could hear the whispers and other murmurs as he passed. When they reached the central pavilion, it was simple: everyone must have known about his presence.

      In front of the edifice stood a stern-looking man, but his features softened immediately at the sight of his disciples, who greeted him respectfully.

      “Grand Master Lu Lisong,” said the young men in unison.

      Ayden glanced at them and imitated them by placing his hand on his palm before bowing. And since he did not know what to call the man, he preferred to remain silent.

      Lu Lisong was an individual of elegant stature, his gestures always composed. Dressed in the typical clan robe, he wore his long black hair partly loose, held back by a high half in a low ponytail. Despite his features, Ayden could not estimate his age. He let himself be studied silently, never flinching under the penetrating gaze that swept over him despite the disturbing impression. It was only after a few moments that the man turned away.

      “Let’s talk inside. Lu Bao, Lu Chen, stay with us. The rest of you may go wash up and eat.”

      “Yes, Grand Master!”