Da Xuan Prefecture.
The city walls stood over five zhang tall, constructed from bluish-gray stone blocks that shimmered with a faint, cold metallic light under the sun.
The city gate was more than three times wider than Qingyuan County's. Those entering had to line up at a side gate to have their palm-sized, cyan jade tokens inspected by City Guards clad in dark cyan leather armor with sharp gazes.
"Identity Token," the City Guard's voice was dry and hard.
Qi Yun was in line. Ahead of him was a burly man carrying mountain goods on a shoulder pole, who was offering his Jade Token with an obsequious smile.
The City Guard took it and swiped a finger across the Jade Token. It glowed faintly, revealing a crude image of the man and a few lines of small text.
The City Guard glanced at it, then waved him through.
Then it was Qi Yun's turn.
He had no Jade Token.
"First time in Da Xuan?" the City Guard frowned, sizing up his dusty gray clothes and unremarkable face.
