Deceiving Heaven and Crossing the Sea

At Auspicious Ferry, the river surged on in mighty torrents, swift and ever-changing, churning up spray after spray upon its surface.

From afar, the waves resembled silver dragons rising and falling, unfathomably deep yet magnificent and inscrutable.

Along the shore, black-canopied boats darted back and forth. Lovely fisher girls threw open their throats in song, their voices soaring passionately through the vast river and the heavens, creating a scene of singular boldness.

Yet outside the ferry, it had already been sealed off by a group of extraordinary-looking men. Only departures were permitted; entry was forbidden.

These men wore fitted black garments and carried long blades. They all had tall boots and jade belts, their auras fierce, grim, and cold, clearly well-trained.

Anyone who objected to their blockade of the ferry and tried to force their way through was beaten and kicked, taught a harsh lesson. Their tyranny was plain to see.

Such tyranny had already stirred resentment among the common folk anxious to board ships, including quite a few capable travelers and merchants.

Meanwhile, upon the waters by the shore, a modest passenger vessel, entirely unlike the black-canopied boats, had been lying at anchor for some time.

Many boatmen stood on the gangplank handling ropes, each of them dark-skinned, rough-looking, sturdy, and capable.

Prince Duan, dressed in brocade and splendid robes, was supported onto the passenger ship's gangplank by two fair-faced, beardless men with effeminate features. A burly boatman guided him aboard, while the guards following behind also boarded one after another, temporarily taking command of the vessel.

Beyond the sealed-off ferry, several groups watched Prince Duan board the passenger ship from afar. Each gave a cold laugh and pulled signal flares from their robes. With a sharp tug, streams of light shot into the air, blossoming beneath the azure