Lan pursed her pink lips, and quickly closed her eyes, her youthful face was covered with traces of sweat on her smooth pale skin. After a few slow, and deep breaths, her large blue eyes slowly opened, and she stared fixedly at the transparent ball of light. It seemed to have glowing strands leaking from the frame of it's body.

The color was a mix of green, and milky white, and could fit into the palm of her hand. It floated around in a slow manner, and rubbed against the giant humanoid beast made of an unknown metal. If one word was used to describe this soul, and it's movements, it would be lazy.

She stared silently at the antics of the dead soul, and slowly spoke in a quiet voice.

“My name is Xing Lan, if you have any dying wishes, or final words, I would be more than happy to listen to them.”

Despite her kind, and formal words, her facial expression was devoid of emotion, her eyes were cold, and her tone was strained. The ball of light paused only for a few seconds as if to consider her proposal, but eventually floated to the top of the metabeast's helmet shaped head, and lay there near the vines.

Xing Lan could only watch in curiosity.

“Does it not understand my words?”

She quickly shook her head, and dismissed the idea, it was an impossible notion, the concept of foreign language did not apply to those that lost the bindings of the physical form.

She watched it quietly with her hands to her back, as if waiting for something to happen. A bird chirped, the wind blew away crisp green leaves, and almost ten minutes passed. Her focused eyes started to waver, and a confused look crept into her face.

Xing Lan sighed lightly as the blob like shape moved like a snail, glowing in slow, dull intervals, as if it had lost any form of motivation or will. It rolled down the head of the metabeast, across the shoulder filled with leaves, and down the mechanical arm the size of her body.

Staring at the soul, she involuntarily recalled something distant, and warm.

It was ten years ago, in a small brown room where an elderly scholar in a modest gray garment walking leisurely around my desk. The fresh scent of pine, mixed with the musty smell of the room caused my nose to wrinkle.

He was giving a lecture on one of the major schools of thought. My mind was hazy and I almost fell asleep because it was near morning.

I watched his lips curve into a smile as he excitedly talked about various topics, and policies, then occasionally grunt and complain about legalism. In my opinion he was a straight, and simple man, that showed his thoughts through his expressions.

His back was firm, he stood tall and proud, and his smile was always warm. A person who I viewed, that could do no wrong, and deserving of respect.

At that time I was seven years old, so many things he mentioned I was not that interested in, but his excited voice, and grand gestures always eventually drew me in. On that day I still remembered a lecture he was giving.

“Husband and wife, parent and child, younger and elder, ruler and subject, friend and friend. These relationships are the manifestation of the sacred, through this sacred bond we can create harmony in society, and shows respects to the spirits, and heaven.”

At that time I couldn't help but sigh at his long lectures, that often seemed far too complicated for me.

“By treating these relationships, and daily actions in life as sacred, people can be taught, improved on, and be changed for the better. Do not look outwards for your values, but inwards, for family, and for society.”

At that time a vibrant glow appeared on the teacher dark eyes, and he deliberately stared deeply at me, his lecture was halted, and only a smile surfaced. I couldn't help but be confused on what he was doing.

“That's why, let' try and create a society that follows the will of the heavens.”

At that time I wasn't completely sure on what he meant, and what he wanted me to do, and sadly I would never find out.

Maybe I was stupid, maybe I was corrupted, and maybe I just never understood. I tried, I really did, and I desperately wanted to bring forth his ideals. But in that desperation, I made a terrible mistake.

Now, no matter how much I wash these hands of mine, it would forever be dirty. But even so I still wanted to follow what he taught me, I still wanted to keep those words alive within me, and I still wanted to believe he was right.

Therefore I now stretched out my hand, that was to my annoyance, still trembling, and I tenderly touched the ball of light rolling on the ground.

...

Emerald green feathers decorated with blue and black fell from the darkening sky, as two figures landed on the dirt road leading to a small town in the distance. The old man called Lai coughed violently, as he tried to calm his breathing.

“Good thing no one saw us, it's forbidden to travel around the empire's territory like this.”

Xing Lan casually dismissed his worry.

“This prefecture suffered a lot during the central government's suppression of the nobility, so they won't have the man power to spend on a remote place like this, especially given the current situation in the south west.”

Old Lai nodded while scratching his gray hair.

“At this rate we won't make it for even the the last day of the awakening.”

“Then should we go back home?”

Old Lai's bushy eyebrows furrowed at such a suggestion, this wasn't merely to go sight seeing, but a diplomatic visit to reassert the vassal states loyalty to the new emperor. Even if it was late, they still needed to show their faces.

“Miss really likes to joke.”

Old Lai ignored her serious expression.

Xing Lan stared at the direction behind her gloomily, before walking towards the town. Old Lai could only form a bitter smile as he trailed after her.

“This is for the local government agencies to handle, not for us outsiders to meddle in.”

The last bit of light in the sky quickly faded, as the two people walked silently on the dirt path, the town in the distance was filled by large towers, and covered by metallic walls.

Roughly six campsites had been erected to the side of the roads, waiting for the gates to be reopen in the morning. For mutual safety they most likely grouped together, as the town militia did not protect people who arrived after curfew.

Xing Lan walked to the camp slowly, she could see two people acting as lookouts observe her form afar, in situations like this being casual and non threatening was a must. She raised her voice, and waved at the two lookouts, old Lai was was trailing behind her stood at the back, letting her do the negotiating.

“This girl is named Fay Lai, I'm traveling to meet my little sister, but due to an accident with our car, we had to change our route. May we stay with you good sirs until the gates are reopened?”

A young man in his twenties, and an older gentlemen wearing a black hat, observed her for a bit.

The young man wearing a plain black suit nodded to her, while the gentlemen took the lead and stepped forward.

The elderly gentlemen glanced at her empty hands, and fine green dress. One quick glance could tell she came from a fairly affluent family due to the way she walked, and dressed. Her appearance could be said to be fairly pretty with bright round eyes, and a delicate oval face, that made her quite eye catching. Her figure was petite, and lithe however, which was a clear sign she had not gone through the awakening ceremony, also known as the coming of age.

From his standpoint, she hardly looked like a possible bandit, and she held no weapons as well. This alone made him relax his guard.

“Hello miss Lai, my name is Tai fan, we would be more then happy to welcome you two into the camp.”

Xing Lan lightly bowed, and waved old Lai over.

As the gentleman led her to the camp, he finally noticed the green tinges on her black hair, his eyes widened slightly, but otherwise his facial expression remained quite relaxed. Most of the people were already sleeping inside their tents, and sleeping bags.

She could only spot a few men, and woman chatting around the campfire, they only glanced at her a few times, before returning to their conversation.

Tai Fan spoke in a genial tone as he led her to the fire, where some pans and pots were stored.

“We have some leftovers if you are hungry, they are meager, but should fill your stomach for the night.”

Xing Lan smiled and cupped her hands.

“Thank you sir Fan, Fay Lai appreciates your hospitality.”

Tai Fan just smiled, and left to go back to his post, he nodded to old Lai who was passing by, and they exchanged some pleasantries.

Xing Lan decided eat her fill, and then sleep for the morning, she picked from the pile of clean bowls in the basket, and looked into the pot.

…

The land was dyed in a thick red fog, and shadows dotted the scorched, and barren land. The overpowering stench of rot forced their way into my nose, the odor was so powerful I could almost taste it. Distant cries, and primal roars echoed loudly, as giant shadows crawled out from the ground, and important bonds disappeared like flowers in a snow storm.

As I watched this scene happening all around me a powerful thundering sound echoed loudly in the distance behind us. When I turned around and saw that scene, a deep sense of regret, and despair swallowed me, because I realized that it was all over.

….

Xing Lan's eye shot open and a cold sweat covered her body, she was panting heavily, and she felt like all around her something was coming. Danger, death, an imminent threat that was everywhere coming to strangle the life out of her, everyone around her was about to die in agony.

Her mind started feeling hazy, and she could hear her own heartbeat drumming in her ears, warning her to get up, take action, and prepare for death.

“Miss!”

A loud shout slammed into her ears, and into her mind, she widened her eyes to see old Lai in front of her. Her vision cleared up, and she noticed the gentle blue sky, and lazy white clouds.

She stared at old man Lai and forced a awkward smile.

“I'm awake.”

Old Lai merely nodded, Xing Lan got up from the tree she was leaning on, and examined the camp. Apparently a majority of the tents were already taken down. Only a few people remained and were having breakfast.

She immediately stood up, and brushed off the leaves on her dress.

“Shall we go miss? Let's find a good tea house to have breakfast.”

“Yes.”

They quickly reached the small line up of people entering the town, people were searched for unauthorized weapons, or suspicious substances like narcotics, and banned items. The single line had several armed guards to the side, and on the walls.

Xing Lan watched as the guards wearing practical black garments, and armed with swords that had a trigger on it. Upon closer inspection she could see it was a regular version, and not military grade, due to the material and design.

They looked through bags, and luggage, Xing Lan was naturally allowed in fairly easily due to her lack of baggage. The search wasn't stringent because of the peaceful nature of the current environment.

Inside people were mulling around on the cobble stone streets tending to their businesses, occasionally there would be light blue gas protruding from the chimney stacks of the houses, but the gas dispersed easily into the atmosphere, making it seem very natural.

Due to the rural nature of this town, most folks just wore practical plain garments, and aside from a few mechanical instruments, most houses were only made from wood or stone. Some old men carried around some dried fish on a pole, others sat on wooden chairs talking leisurely in front of their food stalls, while many more played chess in a town square.

The only things out of place were the steel walls, and some unique modern buildings, which seemed to have been added on recently.

Old Lai who was leading the way, gradually spotted a large building that arched into the sky. A large wooden signboard was decorated with gold metallic colors saying lucky tea house.

Just from standing near the door way, the sound of utensils clattering, dishes hitting the tables, and loud conversations was enough to tell him it was lively. The atmosphere was exactly how all of them usually are, hectic, and loud.

Old Lai walked into the tea house that was filled with red wood, and waitresses rapidly moving about each table. Men, and women talking above each others voices, and the waitresses that were talking even louder than them. It could be said people ate out not only for the food, but for the lively atmosphere as well.

Old Lai waved over what looked to be an employee wearing a red dress.

“May I have a seat for two please, we prefer a seat near the higher floors.”

The woman smiled and nodded.

“Welcome sir, we charge extra for eating at the higher levels though.

“It's fine.”

The woman in black hair nodded, and lead them to the red stairways, passing a few floors on the way up. He noticed that the sounds gradually grew more quiet and less populated, until they stopped at the fifth floor.

The entire floor was covered by a gorgeous red carpet, and the winds blew gently on the floor. The scenery was calming as it overlooked the town, and many exotic plants decorated the room. Only five tables were filled in this area.

We were lead to a table in the veranda, and given a menu.

Old Lai briefly glanced over the simple paper with a list dishes, and made an order.

“I'll have the seafood porridge, black rice pudding, and braised pig trotters.”

Xing Lan also ordered a few rice dishes, and drinks.

A large portion of the dishes were black rice based, due to the fact the crop was common in the empire, and could also be used in various products like soap, and animal feed.

Xing Lan washed the utensils, and cups with the hot tea before pouring a fresh cup for Old Lai, and herself to drink.

“Beautiful weather, calm environment, being close to the sky, and some good warm herbal tea, to Avarians like us, this is true pleasure.”

Xing Lan frowned as she heard this.

“Makes you want to go back home doesn't it?”

“Nice try miss, but we still have to pay our respects, it would look bad for us if the others did this, but not us.”

“We really went off course, how do you plan to travel to the capital?”

“They don't rent any cars here, so we'll rent a mount from one of the monster stables.”

“Or we could just f...”

“Not allowed.”

Xing Lan stared at old Lai casually, he happily enjoyed deep fried bread, and dipped it into his porridge. She on the other hand enjoyed a type of rice pudding, and ate silently.

The atmosphere between the two could simply be described as solemn. Xing Lan spoke up in a nonchalant manner to break the silence.

“Old Lai, why were you sent with me as a guardian?”

The reason she asked this was because guardians were usually acquaintances with the people going on foreign journeys, in many cases they were familial servants. Old Lai could be described as a only an acquaintance to her.

Old Lai's face remained happy, as he spoke up.

“I was free.”

“But so was Jian and Xing.”

Old Lai shrugged his shoulders, not bothering to comment any further, but Xing Lan's blue eyes grew slightly darker.

“Was it uncle?”

“Oh? Why do you think the patriarch was involved?”

Seeing his poker face, Xing Lan withdrew the topic.

“No, never mind.”

Xing Lan enjoyed the creamy smooth pudding, and pushed the troubling thoughts forming in her mind away.

She already had more than enough things to worry about. The trip to the royal capital wasn't goign to be simple, she thought.