The little boat did not head straight across. It followed the current downstream for a stretch, avoiding the ferry crossing and checkpoint on the opposite bank.
After the sky darkened, it finally drew close to the riverbank, but there was no dock in either direction, making it difficult to land.
Seeing this, Xie Fengchao picked up the mooring rope and pushed off with his toes. With a whoosh, he melted into the wind, crossing the remaining expanse of river like a bird and landing firmly on solid ground.
He hauled on the rope, pulling the little boat to shore, and Zheng Zhuxi, Ding Songyan, and the others leaped lightly out.
They deftly concealed the boat among the reeds, then raised their heads to survey their surroundings.
Xing Chang, who could not raise his head, pointed slightly east and said:
"To get to New Talisman City, we have to enter the deep mountains. It's roughly that way."
"Haven't you never been North of the River?" Ding Songyan asked in amusement.
Xing Chang's navel opened, producing a deep, rumbling voice:
"We often conduct drills that simulate landing North of the River, so we know the checkpoints, cities, and terrain around here well enough."
Got it. Coming here is just like coming home... Ding Songyan nodded in sudden understanding.
Zheng Zhuxi, meanwhile, secretly breathed a sigh of relief:
At least they were no longer completely in the dark about conditions North of the River.
Xing Chang took the lead, searching for a route into the mountains according to the terrain map in his memory, while Pan Yunzhou assisted him with his extensive experience traveling the world.
Ding Songyan and Zheng Zhuxi walked side by side at the rear, waiting for full darkness and the appearance of the stars.
Disciples of the Xiaoming Sect