Chapter 121: Rules

Chapter 121: Rules

Bran only wanted to sit quietly under the tree, occasionally helping the Ancient Tree trim its branches and leaves. He had recently become quite attached to this feeling. The Ancient Tree seemed boring, standing still in one place, but in fact, they recorded all changes. In the same spot, every single change, moment by moment, had been recorded for thousands of years. When thousands of years of accumulation were displayed all at once, the contrasts and changes became profound and sharp.

The feeling of infinite time unfolding in an instant was truly marvelous, making one indulge and unable to break free. In that moment of seeing, he experienced the journey of life and death. Countless flowers and grasses withered and bloomed in turn, countless cycles of life and death, so much so that Bran developed different feelings about life and death. From initial sighs, amazement, and heartache, to final numbness, he began to get used to the endless cycle of life and death.

The time he spent sitting under the tree grew longer and longer. Now, he rarely returned to his room in the City Manor, and time began to lose its meaning. If not for matters he had to handle, his humanity might have gradually worn away through his interactions with the Ancient Tree.

Now, he reluctantly left the Ancient Tree and set off for Sandstone City. This worsened his mood, not because of the Caravan’s troubles, but because someone had disrupted his peace.

For this journey, Bran finally left Danny’s embrace and rode on a young Northlands horse. He and Danny brought several White Wolves and Snow Falcons. After two days of unhurried travel, they were nearing Sandstone City.

“Why didn’t you bring Huahua this time?” Danny asked.

“As a precaution. I’m afraid someone might be trying to draw us away. Although the Ancient Tree can guard an area, his way of doing things is very different from ours. He’s used to standing there, observing everything. Also, we won’t be away for too long this time. Huahua and I should also get used to being apart from each other.”

At this, Bran smiled. “Actually, it can’t really be called being apart. We still have a vague connection. It’s the way the Ancient Trees communicate, though I haven’t figured out the reasoning behind it. These Ancient Trees may seem silent, but they are actually quite chatty. Their connections are far more frequent than we imagine.”

“Shall we deal with the Caravan first?”

“No need to deal with it. Since we’re here, I think Sandstone City is quite nice. Now, this city is ours.”

“We don’t have the people to take over Sandstone City.”

“As long as it nominally belongs to us, as long as these people don’t bother me for no reason. As long as my banner can move freely and unobstructed in this city.

Although the Dragon Riders and the Royal Family are really annoying, I should thank them because they taught me something. When I left home, all my thoughts revolved around operating within the framework of the rules. Even when facing the Remnant People living on our land, and even though we possessed absolute power, I still chose to respect order and follow the principles of interaction.

When the Dragon Riders and the Royal Family came, although I was very cold, I still acted according to the rules, the rules they set. But what about them? They didn’t even follow the rules they set themselves. They subconsciously thought those rules were made for others, subconsciously thought others should obey. They even used this to make demands of us, to plot actions against us. They even dared to show killing intent in front of us, as if the rules could really protect them.

The Anya People came, and the rules were equally useless. Without notice, without any form of announcement, they barged in. No one thought they were wrong; it seemed only we were at fault.

I always thought rules were for both parties, offering protection to both sides under the premise that both obey. These people enjoy everything the rules bring, yet they scorn the rules. Well then, fine! I want to see how these people will choose once the rules are gone.”

…

Kkel had been staying near the city gate these days. The Caravan incident was related to them. As a local power in Sandstone City, his influence was not small. He knew these Remnant People. When troublemakers from Sandstone City went to the Eternal River for the routine of challenging and getting beaten up, they would come into contact with these Remnant People. He looked down on these Remnant People—a bunch of cowards hiding in the shadows, thinking they were safe.

Why did he do this? Kkel wasn’t very clear about his real thoughts either. Perhaps to repay a favor from the Dragon Riders, perhaps to witness the prowess of the Northlanders. Maybe there was also jealousy—a group of Remnant People could actually fly the banner of the Northern Wizards.

Bran did not expect the cause of the incident to be just a minor character, a minor character who, at an inappropriate time, developed some petty ideas. What he didn’t know was that every minor character is the king of their own domain. On-site authority outweighs remote command; it’s largely like that. Within their own small sphere of influence, their efficiency was unimaginably high. Some things they simply handled themselves, avoiding much hassle. Gradually, it became a habit, making them arrogant within their jurisdiction. They formed a not-so-small network of connections this way, reaching into all aspects.

…

Accompanied by several White Wolves, Danny and Bran arrived at the city gate. Even from a distance, they attracted the attention of everyone nearby. Northlanders rarely appeared here, and the combination of a young boy and a young female Warrior was even more unseen. This was the first Northlander boy Sandstone City had welcomed, though most of the boy’s face was hidden by his hood, making it hard to see clearly, which left the onlookers somewhat disappointed.

The White Wolves were also appearing in Sandstone City for the first time. Here, White Wolves were creatures of legend, rendered extremely mysterious by all sorts of rumors. This caused the gradually gathering crowd to keep a respectful distance, not getting too close in the face of the White Wolves’ bared fangs.

Kkel hid in the crowd, carefully approaching Bran. When he tried to move the bundle on the horse, he was startled to find his power did not respond. Just as he thought to retreat, a thin chain, like a spirit snake, wrapped around his neck. Two White Wolves also pounced at the same time, startling and scattering the people around.

“I did nothing! You can’t attack us without reason.”

With his words, the chain tightened a bit but still left some room, as if influenced by the words, showing some hesitation.

“This is Sandstone City! Even Northlanders cannot act recklessly here!”

But this sentence clearly displeased the other party. The chain wrapped around his neck slowly tightened, and a low whisper came: “Three strikes and you’re out.”

The voice was not loud, but it drowned out all the surrounding noise. The entire space seemed to vibrate with this low whisper. This instantly silenced the somewhat chaotic scene, and everyone looked at Kkel.

Kkel struggled slightly. The slowly tightening chain left him no choice. He said somewhat weakly, “I shouldn’t have stolen your things.”

“Louder. At least as loud as the first two sentences.” Following this, the chain loosened considerably.

Under the threat to his life, Kkel could only shout, “I shouldn’t have stolen your things!”

“Is there more?”

“No.”

“Think again. There are too many things you shouldn’t have done.”

The obviously mocking tone made Kkel utterly humiliated. His face flushed with shame. “I shouldn’t have lied.”

“Tell me, how did you steal other people’s things?”

Kkel fell silent. This was a secret; he didn’t want it to become public knowledge. But the chain, which had just loosened, tightened again. He hurriedly said, “I am a Wizard. My power is telekinesis.”

“You’re right. Even Northlanders cannot act recklessly in Sandstone City. Then I want to ask, how does Sandstone City deal with thieves? Chop off hands, or cut off feet? Or something more direct?”

With this question, the atmosphere began to grow oppressive and tense.