A lone Dai Li stood on top of the wall. Hands tugged behind his back, choosing to marvel the stunning view of the setting sun. This gorgeous sight is perfectly paired with the opulent architecture of the Upper Ring, a scenery that few can actually enjoy due to limited access to the fortifications. Ordinary citizens are of course not allowed onto the bastion unless with special permission.

Despite the incredible height of this manmade structure, a human is still bound to the earth. Unlike the birds that can fly, people cannot ascend to the skies without means outside their physical capability.

Sound of distant stone being hacked is gradually growing louder. The great walls of Ba Sing Se are taller than anything that created, so climbing it will be more than difficult. It is hard to attach one's hand to the bastion's vertical surface. Not only does stabbing an earth gauntlet into the wall require tedious effort, it also demands a degree of stubbornness to overcome the element's obstinate nature. The lengthy climbing itself will expend tremendous energy. Losing stamina in the middle of this training would indeed be problematic, as the director would certainly not enjoy receiving a report that someone fell to their death.

He peered over the wall's edge, head lowered, looking inward towards the Upper Ring. All of them does appear alive. It would be quite inconvenient if one of them fails to finish this little training exercise and needs to be rescued, but that certainly isn't the worst-case scenario.

Each one of them is exhausted, understandably. This grueling process is by no means easy to complete, and all participants are not even adults. No sane parents would ever allow their sons to partake in such dangerous routine involving climbing the world's highest structure. But such ruthlessness is the stark necessity required to forge some of the world's deadliest Earthbending masters.

The mind is malleable at a young age. The body itself is just as pliable. Even the hardest bars of iron can be repeatedly strike into the desired form. The vast majority of their order consists of orphans trained in cruel, clandestine combat since childhood. Of course, the ones that began their inculcation near the age of ten is more proficient in the arts. But that doesn't mean the adolescents are incapable of reaching great talents. Few in this batch of fourteen novices have shown aptitude to the strict routine.

One of them is slowly reaching the top at snail pace, slightly racing ahead his peers. With sore limbs and panting breaths, he crawled with sweat drenching the face. Holding onto the stone surfaces also incur immense pain to the hands. The tightening of the gauntlet can compress the flesh and bones, squeezing the palm and sometimes causing blisters. Yet, despite this never-ending pain, this one particular apprentice managed to be the first one to finish climbing.

The Dai Li watched as the teen reached completion.

With one final exertion of the already tired muscles, the novice pushed himself up to the wall's top, landing right next to the middle-aged man in long robe. He laid flat on the ground, still hyperventilating without end. So exhausted, that the prospect of even standing is not feasible as every limb chose to sleep.

The Dai Li grabbed a wooden ladle and collected a large spoonful of water from the nearby bucket. The training is cruel and unforgiving, but the participants have to at least survive for this whole process to worthwhile. As someone who endured the same training many years ago, he wouldn't be lenient on the newcomers, but rewards and punishments must be wielded with competency.

The spoonful of water is handed to the youngster. The luxury of drinking slowly is not needed here, as the boy coughed a bit while swallowing, almost choking.

"You have not displeased me, apprentice Ao Xiaofeng," the Dai Li stated with a formal tone. This manner of speaking aims to remove any unneeded emotions which may hinder their respective duties for the state. That also includes teaching the younger trainees who will become future brocade guards. "Of all the fledglings, not a single category of your performance has fallen below quota yet. I expect you to maintain this steady progress."

There was no hint of congratulations from the man, it felt more like a threat than some genuine advice. Friendliness is often seen as only required in very specific circumstances. But when dealing with inferior ranked trainees, this neutral form of conversation is the highest level of cordiality that is possible, anymore would be seen as rather obnoxious.

"T-thank you sergeant Zhao Bufa," the teen named Ao Xiaofeng said with great difficulty. He is still breathing uncontrollably, which is why the instructor will overlook the tired expression when addressing a senior ranked officer.

The Dai Li sergeant that overlooks this training is obviously different from the regulars. His appearance is distinguished by yellow-colored silk tassels flowing down from the headwear's finial point to cover the hat. This role not only oversees the physical training for the newly initiated, but the inculcation for the young minds is perhaps even more important.

They waited as the others gradually reached the top. Many are craving for water to quench the thirst. Lungs panting after the exhausting exercise.

The Dai Li sergeant watched their pitiful presentation. As the boys enjoyed the water, he collected their gauntlets and meld them into an unorganizable earth ball. It is effortlessly disposed by just pushing it into the wall, becoming one with the massive structure itself.

"You lot are not the most pathetic bunch I have overseen," he said to the group of fourteen trainees.

It wasn't exactly a compliment, but it's a harsh form of approval, labeling these novice teens as hardy enough to not earn their superior's ire. It is even more unpersonal as the cultural guardians tend to use the brim of their helmet to obscure the eyes. But despite this rather cold and unrelenting relationship, the youngsters have no one else they can depend on. The sergeant is however sterner then usual when looking at the trainee that finished last. Although loyalty is paramount, competency is also just as important when it comes to the everyday function of the state.

"You all still have much to learn," he said while patrolling around the group. "Your duty will force you to overcome threats that will be a greater challenge than the wall you just climbed."

The trainees sat on the ground together, young minds listened attentively to the instructor's words.

"Feast your eyes," Zhao Bufa said to trainees. They all marveled at the sight of the sprawling city below their feet. When standing on the fortifications, both the Upper and Middle Ring is here for them to view. It is a scenery of grandeur. Only here can one witness the vastness of Ba Sing Se and be in awe. It is also the first time that these teens ever stand on such great height. But the instructor is not doing this as some asinine field trip, there is a lesson to be learn. "You may believe that these grand bastions, these impenetrable walls will protect the city from chaos and disorder. But it isn't."

The fourteen students looked at him with a mixture of confusion and concern. But none dares to ask a question on why Zhao Bufu believes this notion. Anyone that laid their eyes on the humongous walls of Ba Sing Se would be impressed by its sheer size and thickness. A normal army who wishes to assault this impossible fortification would be digging their own graves, sometimes quite literally.

But the invincibility of these walls is challenged countless times. The scholarly minded would examine the history and not hastily appraise the lone effectiveness of this powerful bastion. It may have defended against Chin the Conqueror, but there are times when these walls have failed, or more specifically, failed by its defenders.

"The greatest walls are only as invincible as the soldiers that guards it," Zhao Bufa lectured them. "What is the point of a great weapon if it's controlled by fools?" He then used historical examples, stating how some great fortifications in central Earth Kingdom fell to nomadic raiders due to the garrison's incompetence. The main emphasize here aims to address the flaws of the defenders, eliciting how even the mightiest strongholds can collapse due to reasons beside military might. "The walls of Ba Sing Se creates protection and order. But the harmony of this city cannot be maintained with walls alone. Loyal civil servants of the state must be proactive to suppress dangers from within."

Ao Xiaofeng looked at his own palm. But this insignificant distraction is quickly reprimanded by the strict sergeant before the lesson resumes.

"Remember this sight and know that enemies within the city are numerous, and all must be brought to justice." He then continued. "Expect the threat to the city to come from everywhere, and I mean it literally."

Ao Xiaofeng does understand the true implications of those words. Perhaps one day he will.

The fourteen students are then escorted down the walls by the sergeant using Earthbending. The way down lacks the physically exhausting exercise as they are simply standing on a moving platform within the wall's tower, descending down to the ground. They stood silently as the instructor controls the contraption with bending. As the sound of earth rubbing against each other remains ever present, the teens had some free time to ponder on what Zhao Bufa said.

The platform finally reached the ground. Students filed out from the base of the bastion. Although the walls of Ba Sing Se are always visible no matter where one look, another much smaller wall keeps them from interacting with the rest of society. Since their first day after arrival, the trainees are confined by regular walls commonly used by Upper Ring households. They all live in a large area closed off to outsiders, not even nobles of the Upper Ring are allowed within these grounds. To many of the trainees living here, the world outside is elusive, so far yet so close at the same time.

The only world they have known so far are the training ground pavement, the classrooms and looming ornate buildings that houses many secrets behind the walls. Almost all things are meticulously scheduled and executed to the closest detail. It is a strict environment, a place of stern nurture enforced by their older peers. Here, they produce the most frigid and pernicious Earthbenders the world has ever seen. They are part of a group that directly influenced some of the most important events in Earth Kingdom history, and some even became notorious kingmakers.

This is none other than the grand headquarters for the Dai Li, the Inner Palace depot. It is a vast walled network of compound connected to the Royal Palace walls and sealed off from society. Countless unnamed buildings are present. While many are at least somewhat aware of its existence, considering that it is quite common to see people physically climbing the walls as training, most would never wish to learn more. Those who tried will be silenced permanently.

Zhao Bufa organized his trainees into two uniform files. With himself at the head of the small group, he led them across the training grounds and towards one of the giant buildings for the next part of the schedule. It is a long and arduous walk. The trainees marched silently without breaking rank as distant shouts of their fellow peers can be heard chanting. It must be Earthbending. Hands can become painful while learning secret techniques. Despite their juvenile age, each are demanded to master the clandestine art of stealth and the use of ensnaring tactics. Such skills are not only used to capture unruly elements, but subduing Earthbenders are also taught.

Not much excitement happens around here. The massive walled compound is dominated by rigorous training and strict lessons. The trainees are promised that they will not be confined here forever, just temporary. One day they will be allowed to go over these walls and out to the world itself.

For most of them, that day is very far away.

"Focus," the sergeant reminded with a deep stern voice. Even without looking behind, he can feel one student is distracted by a little bird perching on the compound wall. It was Ao Xiaofeng, whose eyes were glued to the feathery creature.

The bird flew away upon being discovered. The young trainee wondered where it would go beyond the wall itself. This stone barrier is like a small speck when compared to the grand bastion of the city. But he knew that stepping one foot outside without permission would warrant heavy punishments.

The small group them arrived at a large central courtyard, a place they are just passing by. From this point, many brocade guards can be seen walking to their respective duties. The senior members of the inner palace depot can be spotted, mostly composed of middle-aged men who behave even more elusive than the usual Dai Li. It is believed that only the most loyal and ruthlessly efficient members can even hope to earn their position here as high-ranking officers. The Eastern Depot are responsible for general intelligence and suppress sedition. The Western Depot seeks to root out any heterodox teachings or fringe spiritual movements that is not compatible with the Earth Kingdom's many religions. Lastly, the Inner Palace Depot is mainly stationed here, behind the Royal Palace's wall. The cultural guardians of this division oversee operations conducted by the two lesser depots. This is accompanied by their role of forging new brocade guards, and a strong adherence to rules is always overstated. Additionally, members of the Inner Palace Depot also take up the role of curators of priceless cultural heritage, a sacred duty ordained by the founder.

They marched silently through the open and wide courtyard. Some of the trainees lift their heads up to see a lone piece of wall with countless carved inscriptions. This time, the instructor sanctioned their curiosity.

Before them are all the rules within the palace grounds, each word sculpted into stone. They are all written in seal script, an ancient style of Earth Kingdom writing originated from thousands of years ago. Regardless of a Dai Li's identity, trainee or not, each rule is expected to be followed without exceptions. There is a total of one thousand and one regulations that is enforced to the most meticulous detail, and Ao Xiaofeng cannot help but feel slightly intimidated. The boy has arrived here for at least a few weeks, but never overcome the anxiety when standing before the stone monument.

"Walls keep us safe, rules instill order, both is important," the instructor said to them. "Today you will be taught how to follow these paramount stipulations so that one day you will better understand how to maintain the harmony of this city."

A small stain of blood near the wall of rules serves as a reminder that it is never hard to incur punishments. Someone lately must have committed a violation which warranted the usage of the infamous 'disciple whip'. Most offenders would be flogged only two times. But the pain is beyond excruciating, and the scars will certainly remain forever. Depending on the severity of the violation, death is not exempted. The lucky trainees would only receive a light sentence, which would involve sitting before the wall of inscribed rules and copy it repeatedly.

"I expect your hands to heal up, for the next part of our schedule waits for no one."

The sergeant's authoritative demeanor reminded the trainees to not remain complacent. Their hands remain throbbing in pain after climbing the gigantic bastion, but the strict itinerary of their training does not care about such grievances. For some of the Dai Li's most elder members, aggressive inculcation in these adolescents is perhaps even more important than Earthbending talent. In order to mold them into the deadliest brocade guards the world has ever seen, the mind must also be in tone with their purpose.

The seditious knows no bound, as the saying goes.

...

Fourteen trainees sat quietly in one of the countless classrooms that this place can offer. In their seats, each possesses reading materials which the common people cannot access. As juvenile members of the Dai Li, the most clandestine literacy resources are widely available in the headquarters' library, a place that not even the city's most prestigious scholars are allowed to access, and that includes those with Zhuangyuan rank. But considering the massive size of this entire compound, anyone who tried will be caught immediately.

Since day one, it is clearly implied that sharing any secrets with people outside their order would warrant unimaginable repercussions. It wouldn't just be simple whipping anymore. The consequence of collusion is beyond negotiable, especially if the other party is trying to further understand the cultural guardians to undermine the state. It is an irredeemable offence.

Their supervisor, Zhao Bufa held the same book as the trainees, reading aloud so that they can all repeat his words. This text is a cornerstone for the classroom lessons, it details various penal codes invented a few dynasties ago. While it might be seen as outdated, it is still very useful. Many considers it very practical as it also details the same legal processes that are still in use today across the scattered Earth Kingdom states.

The sergeant focuses on one section of this text. He emphasized its importance. Those who broke these specific rules are the most serious offenders who will definitely threaten the city's harmony. Such foes are the most abhorrent, their existence alone poses a danger to any civilization across the four bending nations. To facilitate criminal procedures and assist in the judgement of county magistrates, a list of ten serious offences were compiled to identify those who are unfit for society. This list has been used for at least a thousand years.

This is known as the Ten Abominations.

"Remember this you novices, carve it to your skulls if needed," Zhao Bufa raised his voice slightly. "Offenders of the first three point of this list must be dealt with by capital punishment. Any governing magistrate who failed enforce this punishment will also receive the same consequence, just like all those who collaborated with the seditionist."

The trainees now begin to recite the list, dedicating it to memory. Their instructor will elaborate on each point. They read the rules out loud at the same time.

The students chanted the first offence on the list, which is Plotting Rebellion.

"This is the most heinous offence," the instructor heavily emphasized. "Outlaws and rebellious generals are alike in their wanton ambitions. They seek to usurp the state and establish their own power driven by self-interest, creating nothing but chaos amongst the populace. Such creatures are beyond redemption. Remember, a household has parents and a nation as a ruler. Leaders of a nation cannot benefit from rebellious plots. It is unfortunate that outside our city, such abominable acts are everywhere."

The second offence chanted by the student is Plotting Great Sedition. This point addresses those who intends to damage or destroy the royal temples, tombs and palaces. Ancient Earth Kingdom belief equates such vandalism as casting a vicious curse upon the sovereign. As young trainees who will become cultural guardians, they must show no restraint when dealing with such disorderly people. One of the key cornerstones of a Dai Li's purpose is to preserve priceless cultural heritage of the Earth Kingdom, and that cannot be overstated.

The third is a very thorny one, and the instructor made no effort to skim over it. Their order is still infamously known for this great shame. It is Plotting Treason. Those who dare to defect to the enemy state while compromising clandestine national secrets must be put to the swords without exception. Traitors are worse than enemies.

"What would you all do if I committed treachery against Ba Sing Se?" the sergeant asked suddenly.

The students are confused, not one dares to raise his hand to answer. Zhao Bufa looked around the room. Amongst the fourteen trainees, each one of them was expecting to just be repeating what is taught. It seems that the prospect of even answering a question is beyond their comprehension of the lesson.

"Ao Xiaofeng," the sergeant called out at the one sitting at the back of the classroom. "Answer!"

It is not a request. It is an order from a cultural guardian. A brocade guard has the authority to execute without trial. The young boy cannot refuse to answer, but his words must also be prudent. Angering a Dai Li is probably not the best outcome.

The chosen trainee slowly stood up, and his peers stared at him silently. They pitied his unluckiness of being selected.

There was great hesitation, but Ao Xiaofeng nonetheless managed to utter a sentence.

"I would kill you," he said.

Some of the students became instantly afraid, but the face of the instructor strangely brought some ease. Zhao Bufa is somehow delighted by this disturbing answer.

"Correct," he approved the answer. Ao Xiaofeng is allowed to sit back down again. It seems that nothing can stop the sergeant from preaching the absolute importance of punishing those who committed one of the Ten Abominations.

The list continued. Instructor Zhao Bufa already stated that the first three offence is punishable by death. Which is why there is a visible decrease of elaboration when explaining the remaining seven offences.

This is because there a very practical reason.

The fourth is Parricide, this offence includes the harming of one's relatives. The trainees are reassured as their own likelihood of committing this offence is slim to none. They will only be punishing the other offenders. To put it simply, all the trainees don't even have relatives they know. They cannot harm something that practically do not exist.

Number five is Depravity. This offence covers immoral behaviors. The murder of the innocent by criminal elements are simply unjudicial, and it is also an audacious challenged directed at the state. Although such crimes are also punishable by death, they are mostly handled by the city patrol officers, an organization of armed guards that are lower rank when compared to the highly professional Dai Li. Recent rumors about disemboweled victims or strange sorcery in the Lower Ring does demand the more specialized Western Depot to investigate. Spirituel beliefs that strive in the path of heterodoxy is also persecuted, only the traditional and recognizable religions are approved.

Six is Great Irreverence. Disrespect to the Earth Monarchy obviously cannot be tolerated. However, the instructor did hint that this list of offences is slightly outdated. He told the trainees to be more focused on lowly thugs who wish to profit from the Earth Monarchy, such as charlatans who steal sacrificial artefacts or forging fake imperial seals to disrupt public order. There are still a considerable number of fools living on this world that still venerates a family of imbeciles.

Seven is the Lack of Filial Piety. Respect for one's parents is a virtue highly regarded in Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation culture. It is indecent for anyone to behave uncharacteristically during periods of mourning for one's deceased parent. Such people may not be seditionist at first. But how can the state tolerate someone who don't even demonstrate loyalty to their own parental figure?

The offence of Discord stands at number eight. Conflict with one's spouse or older relatives go against the carefully forged harmony of Ba Sing Se. Stability must be maintained everywhere, and that includes within the smallest organization known as a family unit.

The sin of Unrighteousness is the ninth offence. This is a broad one. But many scholars who studied this list would attribute it to petty insubordination. The murder of one's mentor or killing the local county magistrate is punishable. Zhao Bufa emphasized that if a Ba Sing Se soldier murdered his unit general, the individual must face consequences.

The last rule is rather abhorrent, it addresses the disgusting nature of humans. It is the morally transgressive act of Incest. Fornication with wives or concubines of one's relative is simply inexcusable. It is embarrassing that on peculiar cases, a Dai Li must deal with such unsightly degeneracy. The instructor pointed out that this offence also includes the crime of adultery, but suppressing sedition against Ba Sing Se remains the highest priority.

"Enforce the punishments rigorous, but remember to always remain in a judicious manner," Zhao Bufa reminded them. "Each one of you are also held by the same standards. The consequence for treasonous individuals spares no one, not even nobles or members of a previous deposed dynasty."

One of the trainees next to Ao Xiaofeng timidly raised his hand.

"Sir, are there any exceptions to the rule?"

"There are," the instructor confirmed this inquiry. "Another legal code known as the Eight Deliberation are used to lessen punishment for royals, nobles and certain members of the Upper Ring. While I personally may not agree with it, this other list is also the result of ancient rites preached by the first Grand Earth Sage. Those with such legal privileges are at least able to avert capital punishment. But we will study this in a future lesson."

The fourteen trainees collected their belongings and headed out of the room. The harsh instructor stood near the entrance and waited silently as the space became empty, only then did he too exit the classroom.

This place is like a perpetual cycle that repeats for generations. With a long history of forging new Dai Li agents, even the stools and tables appear old. One day these students would become the same cog that would further this amalgamation created by the original architect.

Zhao Bufa lamented. If he can perform his duty correctly, the future cultural guardians will not need to succumb to temptation. The crime of sedition must be punished with death. But if such transgression can be prevented at an early stage, then that blade which spills the blood of traitors may not even need to be cleaned.

...

The broomstick scraped the surface of the cold concrete pavement. Despite finishing the first part of today's grueling training and coruscating study of Ba Sing Se's penal code, a trainee's work is not done until the moon rises. They each have other tasks around the grounds ruled by the Inner Palace Depot. It is a large walled complex with an array of many buildings. The headquarter of the Dai Li is not some simple courtyard residence fancied by the nobles. Here, maintaining the order of all things are planned to the smallest detail, and that also includes delegating the chores.

The fourteen classmates are never assigned together. Ao Xiaofeng thought about it as he swept the floors around an old, abandoned building that somewhat resembles a very old temple. He has been here for a considerable amount of time. Yet, there was never any closeness with the thirteen other peers that he trains together. Now that he thinks about it, it's also difficult to even remember their names.

He signed as the boredom grows. The task involves cleaning the grounds surrounding an old building made of stone bricks. It seems to be some sort of temple that was built hundreds of years ago, definitely seen better days as the walls appear slightly eroded and the wooden window frames also have a few holes. This lack of maintenance is not even including the temple's interior. With the front entrance closed, Ao Xiaofeng doesn't even know what spirit or deity is venerated here. Considering that no Dai Li has ever come here to this remote part of the headquarter, it is unlikely that this building would be refurnished.

The ground around the temple is being swept repeatedly. The young trainee rubbed his eyes, yawning after feeling tired. He never felt sleepy when participating in the grueling training or sitting in the strict classrooms. But here, performing this mundane chore made his body feel sluggish, confined to the chains of boredom.

He tried to alleviate this by cleaning the stone stairs of the abandoned temple. But that emptiness persisted. Most of the time, performing menial tasks does not stimulate his head enough. The act of repetition is quite unbearable. It is quite strange that he would often prefer more exhaustive part of his schedule such as refining Earthbending in painful trainings.

Strange sounds echoing outside the walls caught his attention. Ao Xiaofeng located the source. He climbed the nearby wall of the headquarter grounds, peeking his head above and look over the stone fence. There is a small baby sparrow flapping on the ground, visibly distressed as it has fell from the nest. He spotted a nearby tree outside the walls, a likely place for this poor creature's home.

The helpless animal is just a few steps away. He has the capability to bring bird back to the nest, climbing a tree is more than easy considering his earlier ascend up the grand bastion. But being bound to a power outside his control, a trainee cannot step one foot outside the headquarter grounds unless they wish to incur heavy punishment.

Ao Xiaofeng is stuck in a great dilemma. The consequence of being spotted climbing outside the compound walls is too great for him to just cross the boundary. He does not wish to risk it, but it is also unfathomable for him to just leave without helping the stranded animal.

He tried to explore other solutions. Luckily, there is hope coming around the corner.

A stranger marched into the same street but intends to walk to the opposite side of his position. Ao Xiaofeng called out, garnering her attention while trying not to appear too frantically.

The stranger turned around, noticing him.

"H-hello, sorry to bother you, but can you help me?" Ao Xiaofeng has never talked with someone outside the headquarter. In fact, the confines of this place meant he never even looked at a passerby before. This awkward mannerism did confuse the stranger, understandably.

"It depends," the girl replied, not fully comprehending his intention.

The trainee quickly pointed at the juvenile bird stranded on the ground. This time, the stranger noticed. He informed her of the situation, and she marched over and picked up the helpless creature.

"The tree is just near that house," Ao Xiaofeng further elaborated. But a problem soon arose, what if this stranger doesn't know how to climb? The tree itself is also quite tall, dwarfing the buildings nearby.

Just as he was about to devise a different approach to this problem, the stranger surprised him. She effortlessly climbed the tree, leaping onto the wall of nearby buildings and navigated the branches in an acrobatic manner. One of the branches held a bird nest, which also houses a few identical juvenile sparrows. The stranded bird is placed back to its home.

"T-thank you," Ao Xiaofeng said. He is quite astonished by the level of agility demonstrated.

The stranger then walked closer to the wall. There is one thing she does not understand.

"How come you don't help the bird yourself?" she asked the pressing question, correctly deduced this assumption.

The brick wall between them is about the same height as a normal house. From her perspective of a worm's-eye view, Ao Xiaofeng does have the skills of climbing. He could have easily crossed over and personally help the stranded bird.

"Well... I am not allowed to." His vague answer doesn't seem suffice for the girl, but she doesn't chastise this inaction.

"My name is Ao Xiaofeng by the way," he initiated friendly interaction. It is quite difficult to speak in a normal manner as most of his social skills are developed with limited conversation against peers. Most of time is dedicated to grueling trainings and refinement of the literate arts.

Just like in history, a masterful scholar who can write otherworldly literacy does not necessarily make a good conversationalist. But expressing gratitude to a stranger's help must be done with utmost sincerity.

"I am... Yuko," the stranger replied with slight reluctance.

She inquired about what lies behind this short wall. Knowing that it is forbidden to divulge too much, Ao Xiaofeng answered it without lying.

"It's an orphanage," he said. It's not a wrong answer considering that he and his peers don't seem to have any known relatives.

Yuko raised an eyebrow. "Orphanage?" Her eyes wondered around, seeing the giant ornate buildings behind this short wall that separates them. The vast amount of earth and fine ornate architecture displays a considerable degree of power, not exactly a place akin to a humble orphanage.

Ao Xiaofeng is unsure how to address her doubt. After thanking Yuko for retrieving the baby sparrow, he lowered his head, ducking behind the wall. Talking with people is surprisingly difficult when they are not a harsh instructor. All the intense studying of literacy, history and philosophies did not help him in a normal conversation with the city's populace.

He sighed in relief, leaning his back against the wall.

"Uh hey," Yuko is now right next to him, somehow crossing over the compound's short stone wall without the trainee noticing. Ao Xiaofeng flinched his arms, involuntarily shielding himself from a threat that isn't even here.

"Calm down, all I did was climbing over here," Yuko said.

Ao Xiaofeng does not see this as a trivial matter. Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that common citizens are not allowed to cross over the boundary. Just like how a trainee cannot exit the palace grounds, members of the citizenry are forbidden entry into this secluded place. Any law-abiding person would never even consider climbing a wall, including the short ones. If someone in the headquarter spotted her, there will be heavy punishment for both of them.

"What is this place?" Yuko wondered around, exploring the surrounding environment as Ao Xiaofeng tries to utter a warning. But it was all drowned in a stuttering speech.

Yuko soon arrived at the stairs of an abandoned temple. Curious at what figure is venerated here, she tried to peak into the main hall through the window holes. It is too dark. The statue inside remains elusive. Just as the girl was about to open the doors, Ao Xiaofeng stopped this act.

"We will get into trouble if someone notice this, this temple does not allow visitors!" he stated the obvious.

Yuko obliged, not wishing to disrespect local custom. Her attention turned to the nearby section of the gigantic bastions. From the base, it is inconceivable for someone to climb all the way to the top. But her eyes would not dare to instigate deception.

"Xiaofeng, not sure if what I am saying sounds sane, but have you seen people climbing those great walls?"

The trainee held the broomstick in a manner of uncertainty. There is clearly some information he does not wish to share with an outsider. Yuko tried not to behave too persistent, perhaps a more amicable approach might yield some information.

"I am just curious, that's all. There are some people climbing the walls, so I came here to check it out."

Since the entire Upper Ring can see something like this is broad daylight, surely this isn't some scandalizing secret that cannot be shared. Despite this, Ao Xiaofeng simply explained that it's a training exercise, something that regular citizens cannot partake. Here, Yuko saw an opening.

"A training exercise? But how are you all clinging onto the wall's surface without falling?" Yuko asked.

"Well, it's hard to explain, since it's only my first time doing it," he then grimaced, realizing the mistake of accidentally revealing his own participation. Yuko grinned.

"So, how were you all doing climbing those walls? she asked with a friendly smile.

Ao Xiaofeng stutters, unsure how to decline without being perceived as disrespectful. Luckily, loud sounds of footsteps from the other side of the temple grounds gave him a good excuse.

"Quick, you can't be seen inside this place!" he warned. "Being spotted meant a danger to both of our lives!"

Understanding the dire seriousness of his face, the girl named Yuko did not linger around. She effortlessly climbed the wall and flipped to the other side in a matter of seconds. Ao Xiaofeng then held the broomstick and pretends to keep working. The rigid sweeping of the ground is interrupted as two uniformed men arrived.

"Ao Xiaofeng," one of them commanded.

The young trainee instantly stood in a straightened posture, even holding the broomstick in a manner similar to a polearm weapon. Overcommitting to an act might be counterproductive as any self-respecting Dai Li can see through a ruse.

Before the two men can announce their intentions, one of them noticed the slightly untied queue of the boy's hair. The Dai Li agent sighed, and decided to personally fix the ponytail so that it would appear tidier. This hairstyle is very common for men living in Ba Sing Se. Although it is not actually a compulsory hairstyle as some believed, it would be problematic to stand out within the headquarter.

"Ao Xiaofeng, you have been summoned by the director, he wishes to discuss certain aspects about your training," the Dai Li said briefly.

The boy obeyed this edict. However, he does have his own concerns.

"What about the training I have to do later, wouldn't I be late?" Ao Xiaofeng's question didn't create any change in the two men's behavior. With the upper half of their face concealed by the helmet's brim, they reassured him that the meeting will not disrupt the schedule.

Ao Xiaofeng nodded. He left the broomstick leaning on the wall and followed the two Dai Li. They disappeared behind the many buildings within this area.

Yuko raised her head above the wall and discovered their absence. She didn't saw who took Ao Xiaofeng, but they do not emit the impression of people who would work in an orphanage.

She questioned her next move. This place is ridden with mystery. Just what is so important that made Ao Xiaofeng behave so secretive?

...

Satchiko carefully surveyed the area. All the buildings here appear rather similar, ornate stone palaces surrounded by walls that seems to be a giant version of a courtyard house compound. The sophisticated network of streets and walls divides the grounds into countless sections. She can only imagine the difficulty of navigating this maze-like complex on foot.

She treaded the clay rooftiles cautiously. Being a Kyoshi Warrior is more than enough for walking on buildings. But most importantly, a stealthier approach ensures that no one will notice this potentially surreptitious act. She leaped from one structure to another, rarely performed the jumps so that the occasional sentries in long robes are not alerted.

Upon arriving on a particularly tall building, she decided to use it as a vantage point. From here, at least a portion of this vast network can be properly observed.

This place seems to be some sort of government complex filled with numerous different buildings and courtyards. It's a blunt assessment for someone who hasn't seen too much of the world yet, but she would describe this place as similar to a tiny walled city. If her sense of surrounding is correct, this place is not too far from the walls that surrounds the Royal Palace. More precisely, it seems to be connected to the areas used by the monarchy.

There are many places in the Upper Ring that she is ignorant of. But Shan's lesson has mentioned all of the more prominent sites of interest. Yet, there is no recollection of this one. It's clearly much bigger than a noble family's residence but lacks the opulent grandeur. The usually excessive decorations are absent, in its place is a sense of dullness that felt like an anomaly to everything else in the Upper Ring. Even more strangely, it seems everyone here wears a similar outfit. All the men are donned in embroidered robes which has the coin symbols sewed at the front. The way they behave emits similarity to regimented guards who serve as sentinels, guarding various palace buildings that stood out from the rest. She is a bit confused by their lack of armor and weapons. Even bodyguards to prominent families would at least carry a small blade for self-defense. But here, every single one of these watchmen appears to be holding nothing. Their hands are mostly concealed by their long sleeves.

Distant sounds of chanting captivated her attention. Curious by the commotion, she gradually follows the sound's origin, leaping across various buildings until arriving near a giant open space. Amongst the countless courtyards within this complex, this one is much larger with less ornate buildings obstructing the skies.

Satchiko slowly peaked at the site while remaining on the other side of the roof that is not visible to the people within the courtyard. There are many young boys similar to her age, performing some sort of training she does not recognize. Supervise by men wearing those dark green robes, the trainees are all repeating the same act of punching forward. They stood in formation with multiple ranks, moving their bodies in identical rigid motion. Instead of fists, their palms are wide open, almost akin to thrusting with fingers.

Such a weird training, she thought. Their attacks resemble jabs instead of the conventional punch. This clearly isn't chi-blocking, as that would require practicing with a wooden dummy. But the hand-to-hand combat here also does not feel practical, as many foes would use bending or some kind of weapon that is vastly more potent than fighting unarmed.

But what happened next intrigued the young Kyoshi Warrior.

A man who seems to be an instructor ordered everyone on the court into a new formation. This time, they all seem to be organized into ranks that mirrors their fellow trainees. It is a sight that is painfully reminiscent of her Earthbending classes in the university, in which she has unfortunately progressed none at all.

The trainees launched earth discs at one another with short intervals. Satchiko watched on as they displayed a level of proficiency that exceeds all the students she met. But it also a very intense exercise, rigorously enforced onto its participants. There is no shortage of danger. A few of the boys were injured by the projectiles after failing to repel them, hurting limbs and torsos.

Judging by the mundane reaction from the grown men in uniform, this seems to be a normal part of their day. But the agonizing faces of the teenagers is rather unsettling. When she trained as a warrior in the younger days, it was never so intense to the point of endangering oneself.

Her observation continues. After a round of almost life-threatening secession, the instructors on the court commanded them to cease. The next part of this training commences.

The instructors collected splintered discs as they marched through the ranks of tired trainees. She narrowed her eyes as the men held small chucks of earth and molding them together. Due to the distance, the details of their actions are hard to deduce. But the uniformed instructors then handed strange objects to the younger boys, something that can be worn on both hands.

The instructors used Earthbending, stomping the ground to create small pillars that serve as targets.

"Begin!" The one with the yellow tassel helmet yelled.

In almost perfect synchronization, the trainees performed the earlier punches, this time with earth encasing their hands.

The earth around the flesh somehow disappeared gradually. She is too far away to confirm how they exactly expel the material.

What is strange here is that there is very little Earthbending taking place. No large boulders are being thrown, and the ground's fine pavement is mostly intact. Her small excursion to the agrarian zone quarry aims to become more familiarize with this art. Of all the Earthbenders she fought, there is always an emphasis on brute strength, a trait needed to overpower this stubborn element. But the exact opposite is being applied on this training court.

It is a form of Earthbending that she has never seen before.

Amongst the many youngsters who are honing this peculiar skill is the one named Ao Xiaofeng. It was extremely difficult to differentiate him from the others due to the sheer similarity in uniform, even the hairstyle is exactly the same with the iconic queue ponytail.

There are many questions about this place that Satchiko wants answers for. Ao Xiaofeng's claim that this is some sort of orphanage isn't technically false, but this grueling training and regimented style of living is clearly not normal. There is also another obvious mystery.

"And who are the mean looking guys in robes?" Satchiko uttered. She isn't a person who speaks with eloquence, which is why it's hard to describe those men who are donned in long robe and conical helms. Their faces are hard to observe due to the brim of the headwear. But the mere sight of them is obvious that being spotted will incur consequences, just as what Ao Xiaofeng claimed. The last thing she wanted is to dive into another predicament due to impulsiveness.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, something happened. Her body froze, eyes quickly glanced at all directions.

It all occurred in a fraction of one second. A loud sound pelted the roof nearby and her face felt a weird sensation akin to an object gently whisked her cheek.

Satchiko slowly used her fingers to rub the spot on the skin's surface. She looked at the hand again.

Blood.

She is unsure whether to be afraid or confused. In all her years of being a Kyoshi Warrior, this is the first time that she cannot understand something that can bring harm.

"Watch your aim!" One of those robed men bellowed at a trainee.

Those words alone quickly made her realize what 'hit' her face might be from the training court. A stray projectile of a trainee must have flown to this position, hitting the roof and ricocheting from the clay surface. She retrieved the one remaining golden fan from the pocket, snapping it open as a reflective mirror.

Satchiko almost gasped when she saw the face. There is a thin horizontal line, cutting a scarlet boundary across the right cheek. She used a handkerchief to wipe away the excess blood. Luckily, this is just a superficial injury. It is a relief that this minor cut is not large enough to form a permanent scar on the face.

Although she is definitely not a person who cares about beauty standards, a visible scar would bring concern to Mayumi, who only wishes for the safety of them all. It would be highly problematic if the older sister discovers this injury. In order to not distress her sibling, Satchiko decided to slightly compromise her conscience. Concealing this insignificant ordeal might be for the better.

Just a few steps away lies the exact projectile that pelted her face. She picked it up, surprised by its size which equates to a small pebble. It's not a throwable knife or arrow that a warrior like herself would expect. This strange object is like a piece of small tile, its edges sharp enough to penetrate human flesh.

Her arm trembled slightly at the thought of being directly hit by this small piece of rock. It is clearly capable of killing someone if the projectile can cause minor bleeding. But unlike other weapons she familiar with, something so small like this earthen object is almost undetectable to the eyes. Deflecting incoming arrows is much easier than fending off whatever this is.

"Just what is this strange place?" Satchiko asked herself. This area's training activates meant that Ba Sing Se is completely aware of its existence. But who are these people? And why is their Earthbending style so contradictory to what was taught by Shan and all previous instructors? Unlike using boulders and giant potency of earth, these intricate projectiles demonstrated powerful lethality despite its miniature design, like a pebble thrown at incredible speed.

There was a moment of further realization that Satchiko grasped on. It is dangerous to test out this hypothesis while remaining in a forbidden area. But this potential revelation is too rare for her to just ignore.

She held the piece of earth tile in a widened palm. Moving the fingers, the object levitated slightly. For all her life, bending a pebble was all she can ever do. It was once believed that a rock of miniscule size can never be used offensively, until now.

The design of this tiny projectile felt so familiar. Unable to describe the feeling, it is light and easy to bend.

Looking back at the court, the young trainees seem to have finished the training. As they are all gradually dismissed, the uniformed men are leveling the court, flattening the targets into the ground. The strange earthen objects are now all expended. Staring at the piece in her hand, whatever those people are wearing around their hands might be composed of the same small tiles.

"Hold, what if..."

Carefully picking something to practice, she spotted a small lantern hanging near a building's entrance. With a rough understanding of how to control the trajectory, Satchiko 'shot' this tiny earthen tile, predictably missing the target. But the result still intrigued her. The piece gently hit a wall, not too different from when she handled natural pebbles. However, the object flew slightly faster due to its sharper edges.

She leaped to the ground and retrieved the object. The wide doors swinged open just as she held the piece in hand. Satchiko quickly hid behind a small badger-mole statue, evading two robed people marching out in uncanny unison. She left the premise once those two are gone.

...

Ao Xiaofeng returned to his workstation. The broomstick leaning against the wall is still there.

He grabbed the broomstick and resume work, cleaning the pavements by walking in circles around the abandoned temple.

Occasionally he would glance at the wall that sits between him and the world outside. Despite suppressing that minuscule urge to know what lies beyond this place, he knew the time to step out of the compound is not here yet. Yes, he can climb the grand bastions of the city, but it would take years before permission can be officially granted to truly venture out to the real world.

Sometimes working here in the past, his head would lift up to the sound of a passerby who walked close. But today is the first time that he actually talked with someone from the outside, at least within his limited memory.

"It's a shame that I can't talk with you more," he sighed with a slightly saddened expression.

"Hey, I'm still here," Satchiko said from behind. Ao Xiaofeng almost dropped the broomstick. She surprised him again by just walking close without being detected.

"Wait, but, how did you," he stuttered.

After overcoming this slight inconvenience, the sweeper quickly stressed the dire consequences of remaining within headquarter grounds. Anyone who is not authorized will be punished.

Satchiko tried to calm him down.

"Ok, but if you want to talk, why not just hop over to the other side?" She already knows that Ao Xiaofeng can climb the gigantic walls of Ba Sing Se. For him, scaling regular walls used for resident buildings would be like learning how to breathe. Yet, this fellow youngster is very adamant. It seems that the mere idea of crossing to the other side terrifies him. This behavior contradicts his performance during the rigorous training exercise earlier, a difference of day and night.

Establishing rapport with this trainee is rather difficult. Ao Xiaofeng values the rules more seriously than she thought.

"You don't need to be too afraid," she reasonably said. "Seriously, you spoke of heavy punishment for outsiders standing inside this place, where are the repercussions for me?"

Although it is a terrible use of her non-existent eloquence, it's still a valiant effort. This argument is flawed as being seen inside compound walls would definitely be a completely different matter. Those adults in long darkish robes and conical helmet appears rather elusive in their mannerism. But the harsh attitude and their Earthbending meant they cannot be overlooked.

"Look, I very appreciate your help of rescuing that bird, and I owe you one," Ao Xiaofeng said. "But you remaining inside this place is forbidden, and I don't want you to get into trouble."

Satchiko's thought lingered around the last part of his sentence. It's a reminder to avoid incurring unneeded problems due to her own selfish impulses. She even made a promise to Mayumi, and a Kyoshi Warrior must never break an oath easily.

But the prospect of mastering Earthbending and making her mother proud is too tempting to ignore. Despite acknowledging the wrongness of her motives, something about what those trainees did on the court felt captivating, perhaps a sign that learning this strange form of Earthbending will bring bountiful rewards. It also felt strangely familiar.

She looked at him. "You owe me nothing, Ao Xiaofeng."

Satchiko then climbed onto the wall but remained sitting on the clay rooftiles. "If you want to talk, I suppose I can always return tomorrow?" She understands that blatantly asking him to immediately share their Earthbending technique is futile. But it's also very rude to outright demand someone to teach a skill they also just learnt. It would be more respectful if she can prove herself to be someone who is trustworthy. "Goodbye then," she finally leaped back to the street outside.

End of Chapter Notes:

-Ao Xiaofeng's name has a cantonese dialect origin.