Mayumi yawned as she emerged from slumber. Last night's reading has taken a toll, but she still managed to steal some sleep before the sun fully rises. Usually she would get up early, trying to then wake up her snoring sibling by dragging Satchiko out of bed. She always missed that.

She walked around the messy courtyard filled with paper. Shan did not allow her to clean it up, but due to time constraints, he also couldn't do it. She has found him to be a stubborn man. But at least he did honor those words in a strange albeit consistent way.

Her head turned to Shan's room. Behind the paper window is a dim light and a shadow of a person.

Has he been up all night?

Mayumi approached the northern chamber and knocked on the door.

"I am awake," answered Shan in his usual voice of a gentleman. "You may proceed."

She entered and found the scholar standing, looking down at a painting on the table. Multiple books piled the desk, and the scholar is fixated on the artwork.

"Morning Shan," she said formally to the White Scholar. His eyes are still staring at the painting, but at least her presence wasn't ignored.

"Morning," he answered shortly. It's impressive how despite lacking a whole night of sleep, he can still appear normal. The stoic face does not suggest any inadequate rest, still masking that serious expression.

She noticed that the commissioned poem is completed, pinned on the wall nearby. It is a beautiful calligraphy with each syllable being a work of art of its own. Here, Shan truly demonstrated his exceptional mastery on wielding the inkbrush. The background imagery of mountain and rivers are a great scenery to marvel. But main attraction of a poem will always be its message. The pile of books is likely used as inspirations to craft the verses. According to the Earth Kingdom style, it prominently features natural environment. Objects such as flowers or rivers can be used to analogizes a woman's beauty. It appears that he also took inspirations from a very famous individual. The desk also included a biographical literature that studies life and achievements of a prominent poet, Li Hei, who lived during one of the Earth Kingdom's golden age. Such tedious preparation reminded her that although poetry applied few words, each one is precisely selected to convey a message far beyond what is written on paper.

Mayumi cannot help but glance at the first verse...

Her eyes quickly averted away from the wall before her face flushed with redness. Shan did not hold back. The scholar is extremely determined to craft the perfect piece. While she understood that masquerading his works as Gong Zi's talent can help secure the union of two prominent clans, the only concern might be that the poem's overly perfection might be too excessive for the Gan Jin man to improvise. Perhaps someone should tell this perfectionist to calm down, remember to compensate for Gong Zi and not outshining him to the point of being too obvious. The worst thing that can happen would be for other nobles to dismantle this facade, thereby ruining this marriage union that Shan believes can help to stabilize Upper Ring politics.

She walked closer to the desk. Standing behind Shan's back, Mayumi marveled at the painting that depicts Lady Qian Jin. The image portraited the noble woman wearing a fine silk dressing while playing a zither. It's almost lifelike. Since Shan is specialized in the Ink Wash painting style, this would have been challenging to draw. Since the artistic style requested was known as the Gongbi style, the use of fine lines on paper aims to demonstrate exaggerated likeness of object. It is a type of fine art that is exquisite, affordable for the wealthy citizens of Upper Ring. Shan has no problem with meeting such high expectations. However, after Mayumi feasted on the painting pleasing look, she spotted a problem. One very glaring obstacle.

"I never actually met Lady Qian Jin in person," Shan admitted.

There is no face on the portrait. Although he can easily mask the poetry as something written by Gong Zi, the same cannot be done when the White Scholar never even seen the woman's face.

"Wasn't she present during the Keju ceremony?" Mayumi asked.

Shan explained that Lady Qian Jin's family members are reclusive. Since the noble lady is the only child of their clan, most of her life is confined behind estate walls for the sake of safety. Being a sheltered person meant the only outsider she met are esteemed household guests, many of whom propagated the rumors that Qian Jin is an astounding beauty.

"This could incur suspicion," Shan glared at the faceless woman that he worked so hard to paint. "Gong Zi has previously been acquainted with the noblewoman. But yours truly cannot draw something I have not seen."

Although the White Scholar can easily replicate the face of a beautiful woman, deviating too far from the real thing will dismantle Gong Zi's facade and ruining the client's reputation.

Shan snapped open his fan, cooling himself. "The Gan Jin patriarch may be a learned man, but not even he has accounted for this inconvenience. This is indeed a predicament."

The main risk here is Shan painting a face that is drastically different from the real person. Ultimately, the rumors about Qian Jin's renown beauty are not fully confirmed. But if she is actually ugly, how can young master Gong Zi explain this artistic liberty of embellishing the woman's appearance?

Mayumi didn't say anything. Instead, she walked towards the room's center where the zither and a chair are positioned. Shan replicated them perfectly in the painting, but she wondered where that silk came from. The dress isn't present.

"I don't suppose Lady Qian Jin knows how to use this instrument?" Mayumi inquired. She knows that hobbies such as using instruments, playing Pai Sho and painting are highly valued amongst the Upper Ring aristocracy. Since the folks here consider these skills as 'refine' interests, it is expected for a noblewoman to at least master some form of artistic skill.

"I believe she does," Shan remarked. "The Gan Jin patriarch have arranged many meetings between young master Gong Zi and lady Qian Jin. I can confidently assert that she has demonstrated a talent of a musician." He then glanced at Mayumi's direction, noticing her interest in the zither. They previously agreed that she would not lay hands on it. "Time is not on my side, since the Gan Jin patriarch never elaborated, then it would be his fault." Shan lifted his ink brush and positioned the tip closer to the paper. But before it contacts, the scholar halted his hand. "No, something is missing."

Painting a lifeless object such as buildings is easy for an artist to imagine. But the person's face can come in millions of expressions. He has not even decided on what emotion Qian Jin should bear on the paper.

"If it's not too troublesome, would it be fine for you to sit near the zither?" Shan asked in his usual stoic face. "I may need a point of reference to conjure what Qian Jin may look like."

Mayumi sat on the chair, hands hovering over the stringed instrument. Being so close to it has allowed to her to notice the aging wood. Of all the belongings in Shan's room, this is the only one that stood out as shoddy, clearly something that is made in the Lower Ring. She then maintained the hands in a usual fashion.

"Is this passable?" She asked about the posture. Her eyes looked at him, noticing the emotionless scholar is not responding. "Shan? You there?"

She noticed that he almost dropped it. Shan broke his trance, quickly tightening the grip on his ink brush. This behavior did not go unnoticed.

The scholar dipped the brush into a clay bowl of ink which serves as a substitute for the broken one. He gently draws the face to finish his artwork. Since Mayumi maintained a neutral expression, the painting will be done as such.

After the ink brush left the paper, Mayumi came nearby to examine it.

"I prefer your honest critique," Shan said.

She looked at the painting closely, unsure how to properly grade it. When she was younger, the villager's painter created a family portrait. If it looks similar, it shouldn't be a problem.

The woman in this painting has long dark hair, so it would be hard to trace it back to her. So long it doesn't garner unneeded attention, she would gladly praise his artwork.

"It's good," she stated. This simple response will have the least risk of incurring his ire.

"Well, I suppose it is acceptable," Shan looked at the face with minor interest. He then hanged the painting on the wall to dry, stating that they will deliver the commissioned works later today. But unlike the other commissions, Shan cannot go personally. "The Gan Jin patriarch's reputation is already on the defensive. If news escapes that his son used my work to bolster his own image, then I doubt this marriage union would go forward. Even the smallest rumors can be inflammatory. I doubt the Upper Ring would be lenient if they saw me wandering around the patriarch's home. I think you too understand what kind of rumor would be conjured."

Mayumi is all too well aware. Citizens of the Upper Ring thirsts after prestige and wealth. The nobles and aristocracy are more than willing to exacerbate even the smallest rumors just to slander others. Even grotesque manners are not spared from this.

"I assume that you would prefer if someone else deliver the goods?" Mayumi knew what Shan is implying. "Someone more inconspicuous besides yourself."

"You are not completely unknown to the nepotists," he immediately countered.

"I know my presence during the Keju ceremony is inconvenient, but I doubt you would risk it all by hiring another individual who might reveal the secrets."

Shan nodded once. They both seemed to understand each other based on their intentions. If Shan was sighted walking towards the Gan Jin's estate, suspicion amongst the aristocracy can easily dismantle Gong Zi's facade. But that doesn't mean sending Mayumi is safe either. Those that recognizes her as someone working for the scholar can also draw conclusions that he secretly created the painting and poetry. Qian Jin's father would be incensed if any of such rumors reaches his ears.

Both agreed that Mayumi will venture alone. Of course, Shan must provide the map. Unbeknownst to the scholar, Mayumi did not plan to walk normally on the cleanly paved streets. Years of training in the art of stealth is rather useful in situations like this.

"Care for some tea?" Mayumi offered.

Shan accepted. After receiving some ordinary oolong brew, he leaned on the table to drink. As Mayumi rearranged the disarray books in order, he glanced at it.

...

The Gan Jin tribe were once refugees from outside the walls. Driven by the turmoil of the war with the Fire Nation, they have come to this city in order to escape from the conflict. Despite far removed from their homeland, they still retained their unity, with the patriarch managing their spirituel and familial affairs. Their highly cultured way of life has earnt respect and prestige, carving a place in the Upper Ring. But that kind of honor must always be maintained, a clan's image will always be a burden the newer generations. Even a tiny misstep is all it takes to diminish even the most favorable reputation.

Mayumi's hand reached for the bag again to check for the two parchments. She thought to herself, it must be tiresome to live a life filled with intrigue and theatrics. But such is what the aristocracy view as the norm. While she is the daughter of a village chief, a simple village girl like her already dislikes certain aspects of the Upper Ring. In a place filled with opulence, someone with meagre background is nothing more but roadside grass.

She examined the map provided by Shan. Using it as a guide, it is easier to navigate through districts occupied by clans or merchant families.

"Hey, you heard about what happened to Lady Jin Lian yesterday?"

Mayumi sharpened her ears. Ahead is an intersection, where she might cross paths with other people. After concealing herself inside a patch of flowers, the Kyoshi Warrior wait for them to pass.

Two young woman, likely servants employed by a household, leisurely trotted down the path. As expected, scandalizing gossips are still their favorite activities since the beginning of time itself. Yet ironically, she couldn't help but become interested in their conversation.

"Of course!" The other woman huffed. "It's about time that Jin Lian gets humbled! Who does that scrubber courtesan think she is? I met the people who once served under her, not the single one of them left unscathed. If it wasn't for the higher payment, who would even work for the Ximen family?"

They both chatted, discussing how Shan spared no one who dare to offend him. Those who insult members of an Upper Ring clan are extremely rare. Luckily, Shan's title as a Zhuangyuan scholar grants a certain level of legal protection. Regardless, Mayumi is both amazed and alarmed by how quickly such news can circulate. If lowly servant girls can easily obtain such gossips, then leading members of the Upper Ring can do it at ease. Which is why it is imperative that what she is doing now is not exposed.

After those women left, Mayumi crawled out, spitting some flower petals out of her mouth. "Why am I even doing this?" she lightly grumbled. But at the end of the day, the game that these aristocrats are playing meant very little to her. She is just running an errand. Shan may one day become a high ranking official in Ba Sing Se, which is why the delicate politics between major families is his realm of interest.

After resuming the journey, Mayumi finally arrived at where the Gan Jin resides.

Rows of ornate buildings lies before her. They are all strictly built in a distant traditional design. Rooftiles are fashioned in a golden color, which fits perfectly with the white stone walls that surrounds their home. Occasional design that somewhat resembles a cloud symbol is also a nice touch. These houses emit striking similarity to their people's dress code, cleanly maintained without even a small spot of disrepair.

It's hard not to marvel at them. After searching for the correct location, she stood before a large siheyuan with double story.

After ensuring no one has trailed her, she gently knocked on the golden color door. Moments later, it opened slightly.

"Who's there?" A voice from behind asked.

Mayumi whispered in a very quiet voice. "I am sent by a scholar whose name I will not utter out in the open. If you turn me away, I doubt the patriarch would be pleased." Unlike other times, she can't just flip over the compound walls. Shan still needs to be paid.

She was allowed into the residence. It seems that the patriarch and eldest son Gong Zi are all not home. Perhaps they are visiting Lady Qian Jin's family to discuss about the arranged marriage. The one who greeted her is Gong Zi's younger brother. As expected, he didn't hesitate to comment on her poorly repaired dress.

Without saying much further, they exchanged the goods. The Ganjinese didn't even inspect the poem and painting, simply handed over a heavy bag of coins. The hefty payment aims to thank Shan for his hard work, and to secure his silence over this ordeal.

"So... what does Shan's workshop look like?" The young man asked. "I don't think anyone else has entered that place besides him. Assuming you work for him, what secrets does the White Scholar have that granted him such exceptional skill in poetry and calligraphy?"

Mayumi didn't look at him as she counted the gold coins, ensuring that the amount is correct. She is careful on the response, wording everything with caution. "It's ordinary, just like most people. There is nothing that can give him an advantage above others."

Although she harbors distaste for certain qualities of Shan, it's still hard to deny he is a man of great talent. But it's also clear that he has no family clan as backers. Although government officials are selected based on their merits, the biggest flaw of the Keju exam is the background of the participants. Students from wealthier background will naturally have more time to study. With better teachers and wealth, they are more likely to become an official than a low born peasant. It also explains why clan patrimonialism is so enrooted into Earth Kingdom culture. Despite having a system that in theory diminishes the power of the nobles, most members of the government will still originate from these powerful families. But she did not chastise him for asking such intrusive questions. Mayumi can empathize with what he might be feeling. When your own sibling is facing a difficult challenge, one would be willing to use dishonorable ways just to help.

"I will take my leave then," Mayumi kept the conversation short and brief, minimizing the risk. The trip back to Shan's home is filled with boredom. She already memorized the routes. Even without his map, she can still recount the path. Of course, it's good to be cautious, remaining alert for both the Dai Li and potential cultists.

After entering the courtyard again, Mayumi found Shan repairing the broken window frames damaged from yesterday. He already cleaned up the yard to a reasonable standard and is now fully focused on changing the paper frames. The only problem is that the scholar does not appear to know how to do it exactly. His hands did fumble when using the hammer. Based on the movement, it's likely his first attempt at wielding something that heavy.

"The deed is done, no one knows about this." She showed him the bag of gold coins, which the scholar reacted with no interest. To Shan, fixing the window broken from yesterday is more important.

"Good," he answered.

Mayumi did offer to do it herself, believing that such acts can motivate him further to help Satchiko pass the exams. As expected, the effort was stubbornly resisted.

"I can do it myself," he said.

"Maybe, but I have done these tasks many times before." Her words did temporally halt him. The scholar is contemplating, but still chose to continue the repair.

Stubborn fool. She thought. He clearly lacks experience when it comes to fixing paper windows. That hammer in her hand is much lighter than holding a sword. Between both of them, she is the better candidate for this insignificant repair. It seems that the ideology of a strict and meritocratic view has dominated Shan's behavior to the point of influencing trivial matters.

As she entered his room to deposit the earnings, Shan unexpectedly mentioned Satchiko's lesson, specifically the location of next week's class.

"Next week, I intend to hold the lesson in the city's quarry located in the agrarian zone," he said, drawing Mayumi to listen. "Usually, the potency of Earthbending children have already surpassed what your sister is capable of. I believe that remaining closer to the element and other experienced benders may help."

"Is it safe?" She cannot help but ask. Being in a place where stone are crushed and hurled can be a risk.

"Killing a scholar of my rank will warrant capital punishment." He stated bluntly. "I doubt those that work in such labor would wish to cast their livelihood out in such a manner. The workers will be cautious, and I will make some arrangement with the foreman in charge."

He hit the hammer on a nail. But it ended up bending it. Watching the scholar trying to be a carpenter only highlighted his specialized skill in literate arts. In a society like Ba Sing Se, learned men such as prestigious scholars are highly respected. But one cannot ignore their mortal existence, which are ridden with imperfections underneath impeccable surfaces.

A week later

Satchiko peaked out the window, making a mental note of the different crops grown within these walls. Unlike the inner rings, the agrarian zone lacks urban settlements. With only small villages and the occasional sighting of those giant circular Tulou buildings, everything else are reserved for agriculture.

Wheat and barley are common in golden fields. Aside from being food, some of it are used to make wine fancied by the locals. She never truly understands why the people of this world enjoys the taste of fermented drinks. To her, wine felt extremely bitter to consume. It induces drunkenness, just like how the fishermen in her village would sometimes be seen sleeping inside a barrel.

There are also the occasional grazing lands for livestock, making land meat that someone like her would never get back home. To this day, she still does not understand how the mainlanders can manage such complicated system. It probably isn't that hard considering the people here have been doing it for a long time. Farming is also a rarity on Kyoshi Island, whose people only depend on catching fish from the sea. All she ever known before is how to spear some salmon. So long as the fishermen never took more than what the island needed, the fish in the ocean will always replenish themselves. With the Kamuy being honored and the nature respected, their stomach will never starve. Thus, 'balance' is maintained. Reflecting her own actions, it was clear that ramming an Elephant Koi into the beach was a very irresponsible act, even if it was very delicious.

But there is one type of crop that dominates the agrarian zone. Rice is cultivated in giant square shaped pools of shallow water, every year it produces very high yield due to the favorable weather. These lightly expensive commodity is an inexpensive food source to the people here. It's unfortunate that the rest of the continent can only endure a varying degree of farmable lands.

They have been on the monorail for a while now, and this is the only thing that keeps her preoccupied. Although Shan is a prominent scholar from the Upper Ring, no one in this region seems to know who he is.

"Are we there yet?" Satchiko asked, quieter than normal.

Shan fanned himself, his stoic expression made conversation difficult to flow. According to him, the quarry is located somewhere near the outermost wall. Although she is unsure how this can help with the Earthbending lesson, at least Mayumi is coming along.

"Here, have one," Mayumi handed her an onigiri rice ball.

Satchiko held it carefully. Although rice is plentiful here, old habits of treasuring this commodity is still ingrained with her.

"Aren't you going to have one too?" She tried to persuade the scholar to also eat, hoping to at least appear friendly. But Shan's hand is placed protectively around a troublesome wooden chest.

"Did you memorize the manual?" He said without even facing her.

"N-no," she reluctantly replied.

Satchiko chewed slowly, finding it hard to enjoy the taste in such a condition. Even she knew this rhetorical question aims to highlights her inability to meet such expectations. Despite the urge to openly criticize this questionable teaching method, doing it now clearly isn't a good idea. Mayumi is next to them, leisurely leaning to the seat and enjoying the scenery of the agrarian zone. With nothing else to do, she did the same.

As the monorail continued to traverse the landscape, they both noticed the sudden increase of people in the horizon. Since the other passengers showed no interest, it suggests this sight is a regular occurrence.

Amongst the vast field of rice paddies, the farmers are not the only ones that exist here. As the locals tend the fields and drenching their foot into water, a great disturbance breaks the pattern.

A small army of men carrying rice is seen nearby. The soldiers are wearing cord and plaque, fitted with mountain pattern armor. But unlike the normal Bingmayong, their movement are sluggish, suggesting they are novices. It is likely they were ordered to wear that heavy suit while carrying large sacks of rice on their backs, marching into empty rice fields at extremely slow pace. It is by no means a comfortable experience, and the farmers nearby would occasionally lift their heads up to view those tired faces.

Leading this small expedition is unmistakably the Judge of Honghai. Accompanied by five other veterans, they carried their own rice sacks without problem. Satchiko did notice that the iron cladded man would turn around to reprimand a recruit that dropped the rice into the water. They all seem to be traveling towards the Lower Ring. But doing it on foot is a very tiresome activity. She wondered, why don't they just use better transportation? Even pack animals would be sufficed. More strangely, she can spot a walkable path near them, but they chose to march through empty rice paddies and soak their shoes.

"Those without privilege can only toil their whole lives," the nonchalant Shan commented on this sight. "Such is the world, and our roles are already determined. But it's not impossible to change our circumstances, for merit is superior to birthright."

"Yeah," Satchiko agreed. This is a rare moment where she finds him to be slightly amicable, albeit still confused about her own predicament. Compared to most people of this world, she has indeed been given many. Not all can proudly say they grew up without many worries. To be born into a safe place with loving parents and without starvation is based on luck. The Earth Kingdom is fractured into pieces, even if a person does not die by the sword, other disasters await them. "If I work hard enough, maybe I can master Earthbending."

"It depends," the scholar sounded without optimism. "Your dedication still needs refinement."

His unpleasant nature once again put a frown on her face. She swallowed her pride. Mayumi spent so much effort trying to find a tutor, and this isn't an opportunity she would want to flounder.

"Are you ok?" Mayumi placed a hand on Satchiko's shoulder. The latter quickly reassured that nothing is wrong and expressed feign confidence. But of course, the older sister isn't a fool to believe this obvious attempt.

Their journey on the monorail ended after reaching an area near the walls. A small and unimpressive village lies before them, a home to many quarry workers. While non-bending miners are seen carrying pickaxes, the majority of workers are mostly those who wields the ability to manipulate earth.

"In the distant past, the discovery of gold nearby facilitated an unprecedented mining boom." Shan said as they passed some dirty workers who returned from the site. Most people here do not wear anything that resembles wealth. "But after those minerals dried up, this once thriving town has been reduced to its current form. Few citizens remain here. But you will find Earthbenders who continues to dig and excavate the grounds."

Satchiko looked around. As their walk through the settlement is filled with constant noisy sound of distant Earthbending, this village has seen better days. There are countless abandoned tents and wooden houses that were hastily assembled. There were schools that now lies empty. One of the few thriving buildings is a wooden hut that sells candles and repair tools for the non-benders. The other houses an old man who provides mediocre meals, but still sell some wine that the miners enjoy.

It's normal for people to look towards the city's center, where it's safer and provides more opportunities than digging earth. Perhaps even farmers are wealthier than the mining inhabitants. Even still, for a scholar to appear in such unlikely place might attract attention, especially when Shan is wearing a type of clothing that is common in the Upper Ring.

"By the way Shan, where did my sister go?" Satchiko asked. Mayumi was given the wooden box, told to deliver it somewhere. But even this minor inquiry was reprimanded as a distraction.

"Focus on the lesson at hand, pupil," Shan warned. They resumed their journey until she was led to the quarry. Sound of Earthbending is intensified. They stood over a small cliff, overlooking Earthbenders digging and shaping earth into bricks. There is clear disparity between the workers. While Earthbenders can easily manipulate the element, low skilled non-benders can only hack their pickaxes at solid rocks. Their effectiveness is just as meagre as their salary. Nevertheless, living nearby is not a pleasant experience. With all these noises, even the birds and critters would be frightened away.

Shan walked through the worksite without being afraid of the hazards. It seems nothing can break his signature stoicism. A quarry is dangerous to be in, especially if the Earthbenders accidentally moved a chunk of the ground and crushes you. Although she is also a bender, Satchiko cannot help but involuntarily duck her head down whenever a boulder levitates. After fighting Earthbenders on this journey, her instincts come first.

"Move it carefully! Drop it and you are fired!" The middle-aged foreman barked loudly. He somehow valued worthless earth akin to expensive trading wares. His underlings lifted a boulder to the size of a three storied building and load on a flattened ground. Like a chisel, a lone worker punched consecutively with his hand, shaping the earth without even touching it. It ended with a giant earth coin with a square hole in the middle.

This is the iconic weapon for Earthbenders who prefer distanced warfare. Since ancient times, the Earth Kingdom warring states have applied giant earth coins and threw them at the enemy. Compared to regular chunks of earth extracted on the battlefield, these giant projectiles certainly can be thrown further. After witnessing the battle between the Bingmayong and the White Sparrow bandits, she noticed that the trajectory acts as devastating artillery, anyone who is unfortunate enough to be hit by such massive coins will most likely be dead.

They approached from behind, catching the diligent supervisor off guard.

"Foreman," Shan said without raising his voice.

The older man immediately turned around, diminishing previous rough nature. "Ah, scholar Shan! A thousand apologies, I didn't you see there." He then turned to Satchiko with equal respect. "You must be his talented student. Follow me."

She felt that because Shan is a very prominent scholar, her own status as a pupil is also viewed to be above normal standard.

The foreman navigated the quarry for them, avoiding spots that could endanger the two individuals. As they ventured deeper into the worksite, it's more difficult to keep dirt off the clothing. Some workers did cast curious glances at the out of place individuals, especially at Shan, whose status demand he shouldn't even be here. The illustrious white robe also appeared browner.

"Most of the lads at this area are having a break, which meant they won't return until two hours later."

What the foreman showed them is a clearing within the quarry. There are mines scattered around the sector. Only a few workers remain, choosing to use their bending to earn extra coins.

Here, the lesson begins.

After the humble guide left, Shan directed her attention to the Earthbenders who are lifting and tiling the ground. Their movements are tight and rigid, exerting their will over the stubborn element. In the quarry, sedimentary rocks are especially hard to control. But nevertheless, the benders worked with ease. There is even a teenager who is demonstrating the basic proficiency of Earthbending, a performance that she can only dream of mimicking.

"The ground itself is what you must overcome," the scholar stated as he snapped open the fan. Watching those people cracking and breaking stones, it did somewhat encourage her to replicate the process. But her mind is not fully committed, and Mayumi's absence have clearly been the greatest impact.

...

Mayumi carried the box close to where Shan wanted. He never elaborates the purpose of this small expedition, but simply stressed that the items within are very important. Losing it would incur disastrous consequence. With vague instructions, the scholar simply told her to put it inside a building and leave the premise immediately.

Just follow my map and you will not fail. He stated with that expressionless but serious face.

Mayumi sighed.

He is a difficult person to understand. She personally dislikes certain parts of his intellect, and stubbornness. Although Shan has attained a very prestigious title from the civil service exam, Mayumi never felt the weight of such customs. He has fulfilled the perfect image of a scholarly gentleman in Earth Kingdom standards, perhaps even eligible to be an Earth Sage. But someone like her will still be cautious to his chosen philosophy. Nonetheless, it's already a big ask for him to take a stranger as a pupil. She admits her method was using underhanded tactics, but perhaps the idea of a perfection person is a distant one.

"Just what is inside the box?" Mayumi said to herself.

As she treaded across the path, the arms stretched, bearing the heavy weight. The skin on fingers strained so much that she has to put it on the ground to rest. Even though she estimates that the destination is near, it's unwise to overexert the muscles.

The surrounding area is a farmland dedicated to plants with shoots that produces vine shaped leaves. Curious at what type of crops are grown, she ventured onto the field to investigate. While remaining alert of the box, she gently dug into the plant.

"Purple?"

Surprisingly, these plants contain giant seeds bigger than apples. Mayumi is familiar with wheats and rice, but never have she ever encountered such strange crop.

"Can I even eat this?"

Right after she asked that question, her whole body shifted to the right, evading a pitchfork that was thrown from the back. Whoever ambushed her have prepared well, but still not enough to best the Kyoshi Warrior's training. When it comes to stealth, they are the true masters.

"Get out of the field!" A kid emerged from the rustling plants. Vine leaves are embedded in his messy hair, but still determined to intimidate the trespasser despite the short stature.

"Don't be afraid, I am no thief," Mayumi spoke in a soft tone. She hopes to erase any misunderstanding and defuse the situation. "I am just delivering something, but these plants captured my interest, so I try to uncover what they are."

After finally managing to calm the other party to an acceptable level, Mayumi inquired about the plant. Apparently, the edible part of this crop is not the vine. Those giant seeds are a source of harvestable food rich with starch, and it helps sustain smaller villages in the agrarian zone. Even so, the purple appearance is hard to process for an islander like her.

Mayumi tried to appear as harmless as possible, but the little boy is still not convinced.

"Where are you from?" Mayumi asked. "There is no need to be on guard. I have no weapon." Without the armor, the humble dress shouldn't warrant any suspicion. She then opened her palms, logically proving her words.

This is still not enough to completely earn the boy's trust. But the existence of the wooden box caught his attention.

"Hey, where did you get that?" He interrogated.

Mayumi didn't move, knowing that dashing towards the wooden chest might provoke him. She allowed the boy to investigate the box, perhaps he has seen it before.

"You know Shan?" She asked.

The boy gently nodded his head.

"I don't suppose you have seen this box before?" Mayumi asked again.

The large child explained that this box sometime appears at his home, on a monthly frequency. Mayumi is unsure why the scholar is sending it to someone's house, but she requested that the boy led her to the destination.

"Where do you live? I am sent to deliver whatever is inside." Mayumi climbed back on the dirt path.

Still suspicious, the child guided her. As they continued to pass fields of these crops, a property that resembles a farm arrives in her view.

Short wooden fences circled the area. It's not too far from a nearby village where the local farmers reside. There is a large central house seemingly built with an impressive amount of earth. The style replicates the Tulou fortress. Even now, she is still impressed by its immense size. The boy rusted through the gates, heading inside the giant building, possibly to warn the adults.

Mayumi stood outside the boundary, simply looking over the short fence. She noticed that a group of younger boys are using bending to play a game of ball. The sphere made of leather is repeatedly maneuvered by the shifting earth. She saw one of children stomping his foot on the ground, pushing the ground beneath the ball and kicking it. The energetic players aim to score it into the other team's goal post. And their easy mastery over the element is quite relaxing to watch.

But she can't help but wonder about Satchiko's ineffectiveness. As a non-bender and a member of Kyoshi Island, Mayumi is too culturally removed from the Earth Kingdom's traditions. It's possible that the main problem lies in her sister growing up in an environment without Earthbenders, or in need of bending. Culturally, Kyoshi Island is distinct from most cities on the continent, even their clothing is blue instead of the common green. While Satchiko has mastered the fans, her full potential still remains untapped, or perhaps even hindered to a great degree.

"What game is the Kamuy even playing?" Mayumi looked up to heavens, lamenting on this unique problem. From the day her sister was born, they always thought it's just another non-bender. But who would have thought that a member of her own family would gifted with this ability, especially when the whole island does not. She lifted one of her hands to the sky, trying to grasp something that is not there.

What does it feel like to be a bender? To move and harness an element like an extension of your body. Instead of limiting oneself to a blade, the environment is your weapon.

She thought about it while staring at a water wagtail bird. That creature flew pass very quick, and her eyes barely caught it.

A strange thought lingeried around her mind. If that bird was some sort of vague but divine sign, what could it mean exactly?

She sensed that something inside the fence is walking closer. After lowering her face, there is an animal just behind the gate.

"A dog?" She rubbed her eyes, closely examining the white fur creature. There is a long dark stripe pattern, running from the nose over the forehead and ending at the back. Perhaps this is a breed that is very rare, and this is a first encountering. So long as it is not a danger to the children nearby, the species does not matter.

The same boy from before has returned. An adult woman emerged from the building's entrance. Mayumi instantly noticed the brown skin and blue tunic, but most importantly those fingerless hands. What a small world, she thought.

Sedna greeted her warmly, still oblivious of the Kyoshi Warrior's real identity. The Waterbender also recognized that Mayumi has worked for catering during the Keju ceremony. After a round of pleasantries, Mayumi was let inside the fence.

"I didn't know Shan hired a helper," Sedna smiled while inviting Mayumi. "It's good to see that he isn't alone. Before becoming a Zhuangyuan, all that scholar probably did is hiding inside his home. Rarely does he interact with others."

"Very?" Mayumi believe that Shan could be a recluse to a certain degree. If it wasn't for special circumstances, he likely would have preferred not to be disturbed. A man that indulges in quietness.

They continued alone the dirt path. As the 'dog' followed them, Sedna further explained the origin of this building and the purpose of Shan's delivery. This giant Tulou building was once abandoned by previous residents. Part of the wall was destroyed during the anarchy from the last Avatar's era. Since that turbulent moment in history have produced many orphans in Ba Sing Se, some of those same unfortunate children then grew up and refashioned this structure into an orphanage. Due to its immense size, this circular stone house contains a capacity for hundreds. But since it is no longer a convention residence, the repurposed structure can shelter even more.

Of course, a project like this can only be maintained similar to other charities. The volunteers are mostly composed of women from nearby farming villages. Allowances from the Upper Ring are also supported by generous donations used to buy food and clothing for the younglings. Since wars continue to ravage the disunited Earth Kingdom outside the city, there is no shortage of children who lost their guardians. However, Sedna emphasized that most new orphans here only arrive from the Lower Ring area. Majority of them cannot remember their parents.

"I see," Mayumi nodded her head. This world is unfortunately an unforgiving place. She and Satchiko was luckily born into a more stable and isolated place, but that only hides the true horror that lies outside.

They all ventured through the white main door, leading into a giant circular yard hidden by the earthen complex. She felt the structure became bigger. From within, there are multiple stories and countless doors. Children scurrying around in organized groups, playing whatever game they devised. The custodians are the women who take care of the young inhabitants, sitting outside the kitchen part of the complex, peeling vegetables.

Mayumi's nose detected a smell from the kitchen. The middle-aged women prepared many cauldrons of juk rice porridges. Cooked fried vegetables and fish is also present. It's lunch, and all the little ones lined up in organized files, patiently receiving their meals.

"Impressive," Mayumi remarked with smile. But her eyes suddenly found purple objects that many children like to eat. She watched them peeled off the skin and bite on the hot food. They do seem to enjoy it, and it's the same type of crop in the fields outside. "What are those...things they are eating, Sedna?"

The Waterbender explained carefully. These purple vegetables are edible tuberous roots. It's a popular crop for the lower class. Rich with starch and a dependable food source, its ability to grow in harsh conditions made it a great alternative to wheat and rice. Should there be a famine, this crop would be useful to alleviate mass starvation. Just one of it is enough to satisfy a person's hunger.

"I just called it sweet potato," Sedna replied. "Come on, I suppose you haven't eaten lunch yet." She led Mayumi into the kitchen area. After the latter finally placed the heavy chest onto table, the slightly older woman presented a specimen of the food. But without fingers, the process was difficult.

Mayumi received it carefully. The tuberous root is still hot, and her hands struggled to hold it. She even pressed her fingers on the ears just to alleviate some heat. Afterwards, she managed to take a bite out of the food.

It's nothing like she has ever imagined, and there is plenty more inside the kitchen. Her teeth sank into the purple tuberous, tasting the mild sweet flavor. For a vegetable, this thing tastes very fleshy.

"It's good!" She complimented while trying to chew carefully. Better reign in self-control before she becomes just like Satchiko.

"Slow down," Sedna chuckled as Mayumi stuffed her mouth, a rare unladylike moment for the Kyoshi Warrior. "There is more of it."

Mayumi finished her first one, lamenting on the flavor. She thought to herself, while this 'sweet potato' is considered as a food for the poor, members of the Upper Ring are simply ignorant of its true merits. Even someone who penchants seafood cannot help but infatuate this extraordinary crop. Perhaps, she can buy some and bring it back to Kyoshi Island? Although the environment of her home is not suitable for massive agriculture, perhaps this purple root vegetable can still have its little place there.

"Want some sea prune stew everyone? I stewed it all morning!" The Waterbender announced with wide smile.

It's like an instinct that overrode her reasoning. Mayumi instantly turned to Sedna's voice. It sounded so familiar to her mother whenever the matron announced a stew as a meal.

"N-no thanks!" One of the other women remarked, showing no interest to Sedna's enthusiasm. They all huddled out of the kitchen as the fingerless woman placed a pot on the table. Due to this limitation, she can only lift the container using the wrist.

Unlike the others, Mayumi became fascinated with the dish's smell. This pot of stewed sea prunes is obviously a Water Tribe invention, a product of its cold and barren environment. She grabbed a bowl and helped herself with the stew. Comparing it with ones her mother makes, it's actually not too different. While the taste was a bit difficult to stomach, she eventually became accustomed to the heavy flavor. It even tastes a bit nostalgic, as if someone like her have already eaten it before.

"Wow! I actually never have someone else eating this besides myself. Even Jang have a hard time pouring it in his mouth, and he eats spicy fermented vegetables every day!" Sedna is delighted, stating that although stewed sea prunes is a common and beloved dish for members of the Water Tribe, others have a hard time consuming it. People of the Earth Kingdom are frightened by the strange soup and exotic ingredients, yet somehow Mayumi easily finished a whole bowl of the dish.

"Well, my ancestors are not entirely from the Earth Kingdom." Mayumi admitted. "One of them is from the Water Tribe, so that might explain." She looked at the betrothal necklace around Sedna's neck, confirming that this is a custom that is still practiced today.

"No wonder!" Sedna ascertained. The older woman then poured some soup into a bowl for the 'dog', the creature devoured it with absolute ease. "I thought it was weird that someone from the Earth Kingdom actually eats the sea prune stew, only those that can trace their lineage from one of the tribes can enjoy it." There are many foods in the world that tastes delicious to some while abhorrent to others. This duality reflects the various environments of the four nations. However, the willingness to try the dishes from other people is honorable. By approaching such things without bias and preconceptions, it removes an illusion of separation.

As Mayumi consumed some more food, her eyes glanced at the delivery. Seeing that this orphanage has a connection with the scholar, it possible that Shan does donate here. It's a funny notion, considering his usual cold demeanor caters to no one. Or perhaps she has misread him.

"So has Shan always been around here?" She asked, framing this as a casual conversation.

From Sedna's words, the scholar rarely ever appears. Every month, it is believed that he personally brings the wooden chest to the orphanage. But he is never actually never seen doing it. Most people here don't even believe he is a real. Even the Waterbender stated that she only saw the scholar during the Keju ceremony.

"I think he did show his face near the orphanage many years ago," Sedna continued. "Before my time working here, some of older children actually met him." She pointed at a child, the same one that led Mayumi here. "Gu Er over is very fond of him. The current leader of this orphanage even said that Shan once taught a few of them how to read and write."

"So, he is real," Mayumi asked. She isn't doubting Shan's existence. But cannot help but wonder the true nature of his personality.

Before Sedna can reply, the kid named Gu Er marched over and yelled. "Of course, he is real! Why wouldn't he be?" And then stormed off, much to Sedna's displeasure.

"Sorry, he is just-"

"It's fine," Mayumi assured. She took another bite out of a sweet potato, savoring the simple flavor.

Her small journey to the orphanage ended soon afterwards. Sedna and the other custodians even gifted a few purple tuberous roots as samples. This crop can either be further cultivated or boiled as food. As she walked on the path to the quarry, Mayumi held one of it. The sweet potato may look unimpressive. It is ugly and possess a weird shape. But she cannot deny its utility. If what Sedna said about this crop is true, then this root vegetable is resistant to harsh environments. Since Kyoshi Island has very little farmable land, these sweet potatoes can supplement the edamame soybeans in times of emergency. While it's true that crop famine and drought does not affect her people, it's always good to prepare just in case the fishermen somehow can no longer catch enough food.

Mayumi felt tremors from the earth. She is near. After crossing that small elevation just ahead, she would be regrouped with the other two. Perhaps Shan is right, her sister's weak Earthbending might be largely due to the upbringing. If Satchiko is immersed in the right environment, it might somehow 'awaken' the Earthbending.

She climbed on the small hill that overlooks the area, hoping that those tremors are caused by Satchiko. But instead, Mayumi was greeted by the sight of struggle and exhaustion. As workers segmented stones and rocks, her sister is seen pushing a small boulder up a hill. Its size is half that of a person, but it's no doubt very heavy.

Satchiko panted endlessly, stopping to rest. But Shan's stern gaze prevented her from idling too long. After glancing at other Earthbenders controlling the element akin to breathing, she forced herself to continue. Her tutor is strict despite saying little. Under his instructions, she tried to perform some of the most basic Earthbending moves on this boulder, all of which resulted in a waste of time.

"You had a lifetime trying to learn it," Shan remarked harshly in a voice befitting of a gentleman. "What should I even say? Is yours truly supposed to be disappointed or impressed by this deficiency?"

If anyone was told to teach an Earthbender who can only levitate pebbles, they would clearly doubt the existence of such benders. The more time Satchiko spent in the quarry, the more it felt that her case is an exception to the rule. It seems that even the youngest Earthbenders of this world can demonstrate better mastery, controlling the element as if they are a part of their bodies.

"I am not giving up!" She cried while fighting the aching muscles. Despite the sore arms, her smaller and nimble body suddenly outburst with energy, pushing the boulder to the top of the hill. Right after that, Satchiko collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily in an attempt to recover. All those years of training to be a Kyoshi Warrior did little to prepare for such intensive activity. She isn't even muscular enough for such tasks.

The scholar walked close, opening the fan and cooling himself. That emotionless face expressed no intent of congratulating her.

"This is nothing but a small and meagre victory." He stated coldly, looking straight down at the tired pupil. "Unless I see you bending this earth, our expedition here could be all in avail."

As a Kyoshi Warrior raised in her people's tradition, she has no clue as to whether or not this Earthbending training is even working. Is Shan even an Earthbender? What if he isn't, would a non-bender still qualify to teach such skills?

The lesson was pragmatic, but it does lack aspects on spirituality. Shan strongly emphasized the practical side of Earthbending, stressing her own will must overcome the earth's stubbornness. Or else, the element will never submit. Yet, after learning some of the basic forms of the style, the movement of earth never materialized.

"I am back, how is everything progressing?" Mayumi arrived from behind, and Satchiko gradually crawled back up.

"It's...going ok." said the younger sister. But the face of uncertainty suggests otherwise. Shan lightly glared at his pupil but didn't immediately reprimand.

Mayumi pulled out some sweet potatoes from the basket, garnering curiosity from the younger sister. Since Satchiko expended much energy, she didn't even question what it was.

"Wow, where did you get this?" Satchiko asked while still mouthful.

But Shan interrupted, asking Mayumi whether she have completed the task or not.

"Don't worry, I given the box to the woman named Sedna," Mayumi stated.

"Acceptable," Shan replied with little friendliness.

He returned to a stricter mannerism, ordering Satchiko to resume the training. The young 'Yuko' hastily devoured the sweet potato, following the instructions to go back down the hill where another small boulder is positioned. There, she begins pushing up the inclination, another unpleasant ordeal. If she ever wishes to master the earth, Satchiko must face it directly.

But this move also allows the other two to privately discuss, albeit in a carefully worded manner.

"My sister was never invested in learning Earthbending during her early youth, how long do you believe it would take before she can perform basic styles?" Mayumi inquired.

Shan remained silence at first. He simply walked pass her and supervised Satchiko at the base of this quarry hill. As a prominent scholar of Ba Sing Se, the result of Satchiko's Earthbending under such tutorage will directly affect his reputation. If his student performed poorly on the examination or have failed to demonstrate basic Earthbending, then this will clearly be picked up by the Upper Ring's tendency to gossip.

"Do not doubt my capabilities," Shan said.

Mayumi obliged. But still hold some concerns. She too observed that there might be indications of an exception, where Satchiko's impaired Earthbending is a unique phenomenon.

...

The rocky boots of the man in long robe treaded across the cold pavement. He moved slowly, left hand holding the replaced saber strapped to the waist.

Despite being an underground compound warmed by pots of fire, the night's breeze can still permeate into here. Sounds of footsteps is uniform. As he slowly passed, the enforcers on both sides of the wall bowed low to their superior. They maintained that humbling posture even after he has left.

The inquisitor soon entered the room built with metal. It's a dimly lit space with some torches on the walls, but they are some blood stains that are still visible.

The man has come here to inspect the interrogation. Usually, a few minutes is all that it took to reveal what they needed. Normal daofei bandits don't have the capacity to endure the inhumane torturous devices. But in the case of fanatical zealots who are fiercely devoted to an abstract cause, it would require a bit more patience. Some may say those fools are woefully misguided, but none can doubt that their conviction has bolstered their almost unbreakable will.

The overseer is chained to a wooden chair. His arms spread wide open, restrained so that the whip can efficiently lash at the exposed chest. A week of mutilation has so far failed to garner his submission, continue this would simply delay further operations. Despite a bloodied face and bruised arms, his faith remains strong. Even as countless slash wounds infested the rib area, the overseer still did not yield. Salt was rubbed on the sites, all to no effect.

Since inevitable pain and persecution is not only expected but also venerated in their belief, this overseer only feels joy as such predicament is an affirmation to his conviction. The torture reinforced the faith, being consolidated as evidence to the Eternal Balance's validity.

"Sir," the four Dai Li inside the room bowed, acknowledging the inquisitor's presence. The enforcer who is responsible for the whipping ceased his task.

"I hope our hospitality has not been too forceful," the inquisitor said to the high-ranking acolyte in a feign friendly voice. Upon closer examination, he noticed two prominent moles below the prisoner's two eyes. Weird facial feature, but unimportant to their duty.

The other enforcer of inferior rank then whipped the overseer again. Forcefully until the Dai Li's arm grew sore. More blood is flowing from the chest, but the overseer's reaction to pain is even more deranged, outshining the normal acolytes. Whenever the Dai Li whipped the skin, the man recoiled in laughter rather than painful cries.

"Chen Yucheng, why are you laughing," asked the unamused inquisitor. He is not impressed with this asinine behavior. As someone who never has a favorable view on human nature, this is a new low.

The overseer chuckled as clogged wounds opened up again, which would have been very agonizing for normal individuals. "You came at me with mere lashes, hoping to discern my faith in the Master." He paused momentarily before continuing. "The way you rejected him and try to oppose the coming of the Eternal Balance is laughable, just like how children play with stick and stones, then got hurt like the parentless creatures they are."

The inquisitor went over a wooden table on the side of the room, it displays various knives and horrifying devices. In practice, they were meant to terrify the interrogated, incentivizing them to reveal what the enforcers wish to know. Most Dai Li chose to apply methods that do not spill blood, but that doesn't mean all of them are so lenient.

He threw the saber on the table, gently brushing fingers on an array of knives like an enthusiastic collector. After picking one of them up, he examined the metal's quality.

Chen Yucheng spoke on. "Poor little children, abandoned by their guardians. If only you can free yourselves of the chains that separates you from the truth. But don't worry, someone like me can guide you to the light. So long as you accept your wrongful-"

The knife was forcefully stabbed into Chen Yucheng's right palm, embedding it with the wooden plank behind it. After hours of painful treatment, the acolyte finally showed signs of discomfort. Unlike normal Dai Li, the inquisitor never bind himself with restraints. Combating the sensation of the knife, the senior acolyte responds in the best way he can.

"Do you not fear retribution?" Chen Yucheng asked, breathing hastened. "Don't worry I will give you another chance to-"

The inquisitor thrusted another knife into the other palm, not even allowing the acolyte to finish the sentence. As the latter seethed with pain, he held another knife with care.

"Parentless children, how many of that has this world seen?" The painted man then went on to address the real issue. Although they have finally caught the head of the snake, the progress of eliminating every little hideout is still just the beginning. As expected, the overseer refuses to reveal what they want. But considering the decentralized nature of the Ba Sing Se sects, there is no certainty that even this man can keep track on every group hiding in the Lower Ring.

The inquisitor drew out an object, a mere paper fan decorated with strange inscriptions he cannot understand. Something like this is claimed to be directly handed by their spiritual leader, which is extremely important to any acolytes. But unlike Huo's worthless journal, this paper fan is simply too valuable to destroy just to gather more evidence. Yes, it is just a normal fan with no value. But since the cultists view it as spiritually imbued with the abstract powers, keeping it around might be useful.

"Someone must have somehow contacted the scattered believers," the inquisitor theorized. "Perhaps we can start with the one that hosted your pathetic gathering."

He marched out and ventured into the other room of metal. Here, the teashop owner is also retrained in the same manner. Just like the overseer, he too was flogged viciously, but still did not yield.

Despite his perilous circumstances, the loyal acolyte remains defiant in the face of danger. Even to this point, the middle-aged fool still chastises the Dai Li. Mainly the man with face paint, the inquisitor.

"The crime of killing a pure bender is worse than death!" He demeaned, pointing at the killer. "The Master shall curse you, and your children will bear this unforgivable sin! But it doesn't end there! No! The third and fourth generation shall also be punished for your insolence. Poverty, disease and famine awaits them! For the Master shall reign in justice and correct the cowardly acts of certain men."

"You recited that verse well," said the interrogator. One the Dai Li from the background handed him the golden book of canon, and he opened it up to a specific page, directly finding the exact part despite the text's thickness. What is written here has ordained that those who killed a pure bender must be subjected to the harshest retribution possible. Since the purest members of the Master's cause is considered to be the closest to perfection, the killer and their descendants to the fourth generation are considered to be 'lower than slaves'.

"Unhand the book!" the acolyte demanded. "Your sons will toil the fields, serving as slaves. Your daughters will be made concubines of beggars!"

The inquisitor was unfazed by this attempt to demoralize him. Instead of reacting to such taunts in a way that affirms the prisoner's faith, he opened the book to another page.

"Ah, there it is," the inquisitor said. He read out the verse that sent shivers down the tea maker's spine. "For any one of my acolytes to even show a taint of fear, or display cowardice in the face of battle, then they are unworthy of me. Such people will not inherit the Eternal Balance and will instead be condemned to rotting eternally."

The inquisitor snapped the book closed. Words can indeed have power over the living. The man before him was instantly reduced to a timid foe. The teamaker swallowed his throat, fully aware that his conduct during the Dai Li's raid constitutes to 'cowardice'. This reaction is exactly what the inquisitor wanted. But it is also not a surprise, as each acolyte hold the words of this book akin to their ever so venerated 'Master'. While it might be an exaggeration to claim this, but these zealots might be willing to jump off a cliff if one page demands it from the followers.

"N-no, I wasn't trying to be afraid!" The teamaker panicked, in denial of this 'fate'. The Dai Li agent looked down on this pathetic creature that calls himself a man, studying the behavior of those that firmly believes in the abstraction. "I have always been dutiful as a follower," the prisoner reasoned.

"When I emerged from the labyrinth underneath your establishment, what were you doing?" The inquisitor pressed on. By shining a clearer light, he forced the middle-aged acolyte to remember the exact act of hiding underneath the table. Such actions are of course contradictory to what their 'Master' wanted. Thus, it can easily tear the prisoner's mind apart.

Unable to reconcile with this, the tormented acolytes begin to bang his head against the wooden plank on the back of the skull. The other enforcers in the room further restrained him by ensnarling a metal collar around the neck. After he finally regained some sense of sanity, the acolyte request to be killed immediately.

"The Eternal Balance, how I wish to see it with my very own eyes!" He spoke in a deluded manner, marveling at the unimpressive ceiling. "But no matter, I believe the Master is merciful, he will cleanse my wrongdoings. So long as my faith remains strong, I shall be forgiven!"

Sensing that the teashop owner harbors no intention to reveal the locations of his brethren, the inquisitor ordered that he be 'rewritten'. It is also unfortunate that no valuable clues were found in the rundown teahouse, not even a small slip of paper that points to a general direction.

But perhaps this old fool can be deceived by the simple trick that was tried and tested. All they need to do is alter the memories, put him back to work as if nothing has happened. A lone enforcer can just disguise himself as an innocent and impressionable young man. With the acolyte's guard being down, new doors will be opened.

As two enforcers prepared the elements to initiate the process, the inquisitor savored the acolyte's fear. "You don't need to stand up for your faith in this cell. What's the point of doing anything if you are going to forget about it anyway?" His words made the acolyte tremble, hands fiddling unwillingly. "I can promise that you will return to your beloved teashop, it would be as if none this has ever happened."

He controlled a ring made of rocks and tied it around the acolyte's head. As another man lit the lamp fire which will rotate around the chair, a piece of cloth is used to stifle the mouth.

"Sit tight, it won't be long," the inquisitor resorted to a more soothing voice. Despite this, the restrained acolyte made a muffled scream through binding cloth, struggling to break free of the chains. Both of them knew that after this session, more members of the acolytes will be uncovered. Since this teashop owner is the host of a massive gathering, the information he provides will be even more plentiful than the average zealot.

The inquisitor stood still as the lamp begins to spin around him. But before his mouth can open to say the usual lines, the acolyte's body halted completely. No signs of struggle as the eye pupils remain still. His nose picked up a familiar stench. But he can sense that the heart is getting slower.

"Peon," he said. Yet, the acolyte didn't respond. It's as if the whole body has turned into stone.

"Peon," he called out again.

As the other Dai Li stood in confusion about the prisoner's silence, the inquisitor instinctively removed the piece of cloth used to conceal the mouth. Even the emotionally dulled men in this room cannot help but be surprised by what they discovered.

The acolyte somehow managed to kill himself. Blood is abundant inside the mouth, even flowing out to the chin. As the inquisitor moved the jaw to inspect, a fleshy object suddenly spewed out and followed by a copious amount of fluid. Upon further examination, it is believed that this fellow chewed through the tongue. By using both the severed flesh and blood as a voluntarily blockage, it suffocated him. His faith was strong enough to override the fear of death. Thus, denying the Dai Li from accessing whatever information his mind possess.

"Well played peon, well played," the inquisitor is slightly amused. "But your death is nothing more but a minor inconvenience."

They will start with the other captured acolytes. Those mere non-benders also have no shortage of fanatism, but at least they are easier to restrain.

The inquisitor then walked up the Dai Li agent who was responsible for muffling of the acolyte's mouth. There is an expectation that whenever a prisoner's mouth is concealed, it would also prevent them from taking their own lives.

"Nei Gui," he stated the enforcer's name. "Your duty of overseeing the prisoners are not up to my standards." The grim painted face stared down the fellow with a look of disdain. "This minor neglect have costed us potential clues. I would like to see you correct this habit. If your merit does not fit the role, what's the point of keeping you around?"

The Dai Li named Nei Gui quickly bowed. "It won't happen again commander!"

The inquisitor didn't say anything else. He decreed that one of the cultists shall be interrogated first. They can start with eliminating one den of those zealots, and gradually diminishing the spiritual movement's presence in the Lower Ring. From experience, non-bending acolytes are slightly easier to catechize.

"See that one of the peons would reveal a hideout before I return," the inquisitor demanded.

"Sir, where are you heading?"

"To check on a prisoner," he said. "It would be unwise if she causes inconvenience for us."

After chapter notes:

-Water wagtail bird is significant to the Ainu mythology.

-In the comic 'Suki Alone', I always find it weird that the villagers are struggling with food when there is a whole ocean nearby to hunt for fish. I believe this chapter does slightly discuss the important topic of how geography can affect food production. Being a small place, I don't think people of Kyoshi Island can realistically sustain themselves with only land farming. The only farmable lands might be enough for small scale agriculture such as beans, or crops such as sweet potatoes. But items like steamed buns would likely be much harder to obtain due to the ingredients. Mainland cities will definitely have more land to cultivate the wheat and meat. Which is why I can only theorize that the diet of Kyoshi Island could predominantly base around seafood along with only some rice, the latter can be accessed through trading with coastal towns.