The Wind-Tossed Jinling City

The morning mist was slightly chilly, and the river waves slapped against the stones.

Over a crackling campfire, Lu San was smoking several fish skewered on branches. From time to time, he sprinkled on spices and Salt Ba he carried with him. Soon, the aroma spread through the air.

He handed one to Wang Dao Xuan, then took the warmed wine from the Taoist. They chatted and ate, making do with breakfast.

As for Wu Ba, whose appetite was much larger, he was already gnawing on half a wild boar roasted the night before. His mouth was slick with grease, and he did not care that he had dirtied his clothes.

All three looked rather bedraggled, and they reeked to boot.

There was nothing they could do. Ever since leaving Yangzhou Wharf and beginning their pursuit along the clues, they had not slept well once. Investigating, giving chase, and fighting enemies of unknown origin had left them no time at all to wash.

But the several people opposite them were even more unfortunate.

They wore black clothes. Some had long hair and bushy beards, while others had faces full of hard flesh. All looked fierce, yet every one of them was grimy and bound with straw rope, unable to move.

The cobblestones beneath them dug painfully into their bodies. The river wind had numbed their limbs all night, and now the tempting aroma had reached them, leaving their minds somewhat muddled.

"Several heroes, could... could you give us something to eat?"

One of them finally could not hold back and asked.

"Of course."

Wang Dao Xuan smiled faintly. He waved a roasted fish before them, making their mouths water, then said, "Whoever confesses first eats first."

The men glanced at one another and all kept their mouths shut.

Wang Dao