Looking at Zhou Chang's clear and open state of mind, a trace of reminiscence flashed through Xu Changqing's eyes.
He suddenly thought of Senior Brother Zhu. He too had been so gentle and detached, never contending for fame or profit, yet in the end had met with death and the dissipation of his Dao.
Xu Changqing sighed inwardly. "I hope... your ending will be different from Senior Brother Zhu's."
He had just gathered his thoughts when several figures hurried over from one side of the square.
The leader wore a crimson official robe and a black gauze cap. His face was respectful yet carried a hint of anxiety. He was the prefect of Fengrao Commandery.
The prefect quickly stepped forward and gave Xu Changqing a deep bow. "Sect Master Xu, this humble official has a matter and boldly asks you to intervene!"
Xu Changqing slightly raised a hand. "Speak freely."
The prefect's expression tightened as he lowered his voice. "There is an Azurebillow River west of the commandery city. Its waters stretch for thousands of miles, winding around most of Fengrao Commandery. It is the mother river of our people; drinking water, irrigation, and travel all depend on it.
"But over the past half month, strange disturbances have repeatedly occurred in the river. Fierce winds and waves rise without warning, and boats capsizing and people drowning have happened one after another.
"Some fishermen have even seen an enormous creature beneath the water, over a hundred feet long, black with hints of red, shaped like a giant serpent and bearing the appearance of dragon scales.
"Now the people are panic-stricken and do not dare approach the riverbanks."
Xu Changqing, Li Sancai, and Wang Han exchanged glances, each seeing a trace of gravity in the others' eyes.
The Azurebillow River was Fengrao