In early autumn, gusts of wind swept past, carrying moisture from the river and a hint of coolness.
The Qingcang River stretched as far as the eye could see, vast and surging.
At first glance, the river seemed utterly still, but the occasional whirlpool revealed the treacherous currents and deceitful waves beneath.
Su Fan stood at the bow, with the occasional shadow of a sail drifting across the river.
He gazed into the distance, but Cangshan was nowhere to be seen. Beneath the vast heavens, traveling alone, he was suddenly overcome by a boundless sense of desolation!
After leaving Sishui Crossing, Su Fan did not dare act too recklessly. He disguised himself as a mortal once more and returned to Luqu County.
He hired a cargo boat and traveled north along the Qingcang River.
The boat was owned by a father and son who transported goods along the Qingcang River and usually took on a few passengers as well.
The boat sailed day and night, and it had already been traveling on the Qingcang River for several days.
"Honored guest, the fish is ready..."
Su Fan turned around and saw the boat owner carrying a large porcelain basin into his cabin.
The boat owner set down the basin, walked out of the cabin, greeted Su Fan with a smile, then secretly sized up his back.
This honored guest looked quite thin, yet he had an astonishing appetite. This whole basin of stewed fish would have been enough to feed the father and son for several days.
Su Fan entered the cabin and sat at the table, then took a jug of wine from his Storage Bag.
He had bought it at the Luqu County wharf. It was no famous wine, merely the sort favored by people who spent all year