Whoosh!
The enormous ship cleaved through the waves, sending surges crashing against both banks. Spray rose several yards high, and a deafening roar carried into the distance.
The many tourists, martial artists, and pilgrims along the banks saw a ship dozens of yards long, crowned with tier upon tier of towers, sweeping eaves, intricate brackets, and carved and painted beams. It was like a palace moving across the river. They could not help turning to look, privately wondering what great personage it carried.
The great ship did not pause at all. Under the handling of the many black-clad sailors on its deck, it sailed steadily away.
The dozen or so students of the Dragon Abyss Academy on the bank merely glanced at the ship before continuing to chant the "Qianyuan Great Dao Song."
Only after repeating it several times did they stop. They then began sharing what they had learned recently. Most of their discussion concerned cultivation of the Qi-Blood Furnace Method, though it also touched on divination, miscellaneous studies, and accounts of strange happenings.
As their conversation grew lively, a tall, sturdy student with a square face and large ears glanced aside and smiled. "Brother Xie is here!"
Everyone followed his gaze and saw a refined-looking young man in his twenties striding toward them. He moved with the agility of a nimble ape and reached them in the blink of an eye.
"My friends, I am late. Please forgive me!" The young man surnamed Xie smiled and bowed deeply with his hands clasped.
"Brother Xie, you are usually the most punctual of us. Why were you late today?"
"Brother Xie, an apology alone will not do. I brought some Spring Renewal Brew, famous throughout the prefecture. You must drink three cups as punishment."
The tall, square-faced student quickly shook