The half-worn wooden boat cut through the picturesque emerald-green water like a pair of scissors.
Seeing that they were about to reach their destination, Zhuge Yuan could no longer suppress the curiosity and anticipation in his heart. Carrying his book basket, he ran to the bow and gazed ahead.
"Young man, steady yourself. If you fall in, this old fellow will have to go into the river to fish you out." The boatman chuckled as he poled the boat along.
"Sir, are we not there yet?" Zhuge Yuan asked impatiently.
"Don't rush. Once we pass First Line Sky, it'll take less than half a double hour to reach Baixia City. You'll see it after the bend ahead. Baixia City's Scale Shrimp Cakes are a true marvel, but those shrimp only appear during Awakening of Insects. Going now, I'm afraid you won't have the good fortune to taste them."
Hearing that there was still half a double hour to go, Zhuge Yuan sat down at the bow in disappointment. The tips of his white shoes dangled over the water, drawing a line across its surface.
He raised both hands above his shoulders and stretched. "Hehe, no matter. This humble student is going to Baixia to study. When Awakening of Insects comes next year, I'll surely get to eat some."
"Study? You're going to Baixia City to study? Could it be Minglun Hall?" Astonishment immediately appeared on the old man's face.
Zhuge Yuan nodded at once. "Yes! Minglun Hall. My Teacher said it was Senior Wang Changxu of Minglun Hall."
"My, my, remarkable! Truly remarkable! Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Hearing the admiration in his words, Zhuge Yuan smiled and cupped his hands toward the old man. "You flatter me, sir. May I ask, is Minglun Hall very famous in Baixia City?"
The old