Outside Giant Whale City, on a seaside cliff.
A streak of light stopped abruptly thirty zhang from the cliff.
Then it dropped straight down. Feet struck the reef with a muffled thud, sending chips of stone flying.
The newcomer straightened.
The Canglan Crocodile's gaze fell first on Yu Qing. He squeezed a smile onto his fleshy face, stepped forward, and cupped his fists in greeting.
"Greetings, Lord She."
His voice was as rough as his appearance, hoarse and deep.
Yu Qing gave a slight nod in return, then stepped aside and gestured toward Ji Yuan.
"Ekun, this is Lord Long Chuan of the Horned Dragon Clan."
Ekun followed Yu Qing's gesture to Ji Yuan. His murky eyes lingered for an instant on the dragon horns on Ji Yuan's forehead and the scales at the corners of his eyes.
Without another word, he turned and bowed to Ji Yuan with cupped fists. He bent even lower than he had for Yu Qing.
"Greetings, Lord Long Chuan!"
Ji Yuan folded his arms and raised his chin slightly.
He offered no greeting, made no small talk, and did not even bother to nod. He simply looked Ekun over from above.
After several breaths, he withdrew his gaze and turned to Yu Qing, his impatience undisguised.
"Can we leave?"
She Qing nodded. "Everyone's here. Let's go."
The three became streaks of light and shot into the sky, speeding toward Giant Whale City.
Ji Yuan flew at the front, his posture straight, his silver-white light trailing a splendid arc.
Yu Qing flew beside him, her dark-green light hugging his right flank.
Ekun followed half a step behind them.
Giant Whale City's Teleportation Harbor stood at the city's heart, an enormous circular plaza.
Twelve stone pillars, each ten zhang tall, rose from its center in a