At dawn, outside Yong City, within the river channel, surging waters rushed downward, white-crested waves blooming apart like lotus flowers. At a glance, water and sky met as one, blossoms shone brilliantly, and the scenery was like a painting.
On the shore, beside the moored ships, under the supervision of Great River Alliance members, those waiting to board formed a long, snaking line. They appeared exceedingly orderly; perhaps anyone unwilling to follow the rules had already been removed from the queue.
Yet quite a few people were whispering among themselves. Acquainted or not, all were sizing up the two young men not far away, their deliberately lowered voices revealing their caution.
One had long hair and a saber on his back. His broad white sleeves drifted in the wind, a pale violet sash cinching his waist. He stood tall as a mountain, towering and upright; even from more than ten meters away, a sharp edge seemed to rush straight at them.
The other had handsome features and stood as straight as a spear. Dressed in blue brocade, he welcomed the first man with a smile. The two appeared quite familiar with one another.
Someone recognized the latter as Wan Tiancheng, the young master of the Divine Flood Gang, the leader of the Jingxiao Alliance, and the direct disciple of the Dragon King Shui Wuhen. He was currently Yongzhou's hottest young genius. Who could make him treat them so solemnly and personally come to receive them?
"It has been two months since we last met, Xiang Yang. You have become even more extraordinary. My father has already prepared wine and food at the water stronghold and is waiting for you to take your seat.
"As for my master, he has other important matters to attend to and will not return until