"What did you really come here for?"
The pressure was now on. Wang Jin could sense it. No matter how fast he was, he wouldn't be able to escape from Maher. He needed to think very deeply about what his next words were going to be.
Unfortunately, Wang Jin was not the best at thinking deeply. But sometimes, all it takes is a bit of blind bravery to make it through seemingly impossible situations.
"I'm here to look for a book. It's a technique book… one that belongs to the Jin Clan."
The words "Jin Clan" rang through Maher's head. Who hadn't heard of them? Even amongst the continents, they were feared for their mysterious strength that supposedly rivaled that of the Hero Association itself.
If what Wang Jin said was true, then that meant he was a member of the Jin Clan, or someone who had direct connections to it.
Just the latter was enough to warrant respect!
"So… you're a member of the clan, is that what you're saying?"
"Well, yeah. Want some proof? Here, look behind me."
Maher approached Wang Jin, this time lowering his guard slightly. He long already established that even if Wang Jin was exceptional for someone of his rank, he would never be able to defeat him.
Hastily pulling his shirt up, Wang Jin showed to Maher the distinct tattoo that everyone in the world recognized. It was there, alright.
An intricately designed pentagram could be seen on his back, a symbol only members of the Jin Clan had on their backs the moment they were birthed.
"You're a Jin Clan member, alright… but how did you escape the Sky Continent? I heard they didn't allow its practitioners to travel the world without at least being B or A ranks."
"That's a secret for me, thank you. Anyway, have I proved my innocence now? Or are you still gonna continue pointing that deadly aura at me? It's hurting my lungs, you know."
"Yeah… I'm not sure of your real intentions yet, but at least you don't seem like you're here to cause harm to Sahara City." Maher said, finally withdrawing his killing intent.
"Thanks."
"Well, since you're not an ordinary individual, even more so a Jin Clan member who offered his help, why don't you come up to the palace? The other Guardians would love to meet you, surely."
"Sure, I don't mind. Where's this palace of yours located?"
Maher didn't reply. Instead, he smiled the widest he had ever smiled since meeting Wang Jin, before pointing almost directly above him.
It was only then that Wang Jin had bothered to register the huge palace that was purposely built to have a great view of the whole city.
The entire thing reminded Wang Jin of a certain long hike he had recently been a part of. That plateau still gave him nightmares with how long the climb was.
And based off how high the temple was, Wang Jin figured that this one wasn't going to be any different. In fact, it would probably be even longer.
***
"Haaaa….. hooooo….. haaaa…."
"What, you're already tired?" Maher laughed.
Despite having walked for more than an hour, Maher had not broken a sweat. On the other hand… Wang Jin looked like he hadn't drunk water in weeks.
Luckily for Wang Jin, they were just about nearing the end of the long journey up. With a mocking expression, Maher carried Wang Jin in his arms and brought him the rest of the way up.
Then, he placed the still huffing Wang Jin on the ground, and turned around to witness the view of the city below them.
Unlike down on the surface, the air here was thin, and didn't provide much mana for users that weren't of the Ice, Water, or Space affinities. Maher could just about make out a few small snowflakes way above them melting into water droplets and subsequently evaporating the next few seconds later.
"You need some help, Wang Jin. Here, while the others still aren't here, why don't I teach you our breathing technique?"
Despite being exhausted from the long walk up, Wang Jin's eyes glowed the moment he heard the word technique. Eager to learn, he forcefully brought himself upright, almost as if his body forgot the long hell Wang Jin had put it through to ascend this height.
"Haha! Glad to see you're excited."
But just as Maher was about to divulge potentially harmful secrets to Wang Jin, he was stopped by the sound of a stick being crushed under someone's heel.
"Maher! What are you doing, teaching our breathing techniques to someone you don't even know?"
"Whoops, too late." Maher suddenly stopped before the words went out of his mouth.
"Master is right, Maher." Another person stood beside the apparent "master".
A old man who was of considerable height stood straight, unexpected of his age. He looked like one of those typical masters one would see in martial arts movies, except he was wearing The Guardians' attire.
The man beside him was also quite lengthy, and had green hair, oddly almost the same shade as the grass back in the city. He seemed the silent type, only ever choosing to speak whenever the situation required it.
"Good day, Master. This person I have brought is called Wang Jin, and he's here to help us drive out The Sand Riders from this city." Maher explained, purposely hiding the fact that he was from the Jin Clan.
Wang Jin seemed to notice this kind gesture, and nodded in silent gratitude.
"I've learned from my long years that people always have ulterior motives, no matter how nice they might seem. You there, boy. Tell me, what is your real purpose for coming to Sahara City?" The master pointed to Wang Jin.
Much like Maher's case, Wang Jin knew that he couldn't lie here. So instead, he chose to answer in the most honest way he could, while still keeping his main objective hidden.
"I'm here to look for a book. It's a book that contains some special techniques, and it's really important that I get it." He answered.
"An outlander searching for power… like many others. Well, it is something I will bother myself with. As long as you don't seek to harm the city, we'll let you dig for your book."
Wang Jin had noticed this same characteristic with two of the three Guardians he had met since coming here. They all harbored a great deal of respect for this city, and felt as if they would put their lives on the line to protect it.
As the name "Guardian" dictated, of course.
"Very well. But I cannot accept someone without first properly measuring their skills. If you manage to pass my test, then you shall be allowed to stand as an honorary member of the Guardians and assist us in eradicating the Sand Rider threat the plagues this city. In return, we'll help you as much as we can in looking for… whatever you're looking for."
"Come then," He continued, pointing to the door behind him. "We're going to test your mettle."