Zi Zhenzhu set her wine cup on the gunwale and gestured to the sailors behind her.
"Dock."
The Zi Zhenzhu slowly sailed into the inner harbor. It was small but immaculately kept, with white stone slabs paving the pier. Several people in sea-blue robes stood onshore-the Outer Island Deacons of Sea God Island.
They remained wary when they spotted the Zi Zhenzhu's flag from afar, but the instant their eyes fell on the black-and-white figure at the bow, every expression froze.
The deacons exchanged glances, none daring to move first.
Then the oldest among them turned and ran, moving far faster than anyone his age should have been able to.
"His Excellency Little Guga is back!"
The shout pierced Sea God Island's tranquility, startling a flock of white seabirds into flight.
Standing behind Jiang Lan, Zhu Zhuyun watched the deacon's retreating back, then glanced at the others still frozen on the pier. She fell silent for a moment.
She suddenly found herself wondering just what standing this little master held on Sea God Island.
Jiang Lan gave it little thought. He jumped straight off the bow onto the stone slabs, shuffled his stubby legs twice to steady himself, then ran toward the island.
Doro followed him, hopping off the ship.
Zhu Zhuyun and Zi Zhenzhu brought up the rear, one wearing a calm expression, the other looking ready to enjoy a good show.
Jiang Lan ran along the stone-paved road toward the heart of Sea God Island.
He could have walked this road with his eyes closed. After all, he had lived here for several years.
But he had barely taken a few steps when a familiar figure rapidly approached.
Moments later, that figure appeared before Jiang Lan.
Bo Saixi.
Bo Saixi grabbed Jiang Lan by the back of his