Chapter 5593

Jared studied the man—average height, clear eyes, the familiar garb of countless swordsmen who drifted through the city each day.

“I simply saw those Sword Sect disciples showing off. Thought I’d stroll over and have a friendly word, that’s all. Why are you stopping me?” Jared halted, confusion rippling across his features.

A quick sweep of his gaze took in the Sword Sect disciples swaggering in bright uniforms. Their brazen display struck Jared as reckless. Swordmaster City—Ararat Goizeder’s stronghold—was generous ground for the Sword Sect, true, but there were boundaries even hospitality should not cross.

“Those men are Sword Guards, keepers of order in Swordmaster City. Step too close, and one of them might choose to ‘keep order’ with the edge of a blade.” The stranger spoke mildly, as though reciting the weather.

“Sword Guards?” Jared’s brows arched. “Is this not Ararat’s city? Since when did Sword Sect disciples police the streets?”

The man let his eyes travel from Jared’s boots to the crown of his head, a slow appraisal that ended in a thin smile. “How long has it been since you last set foot inside these walls?”

“Quite some time,” Jared admitted, unembarrassed.