A Fine Boat and a Formidable Officer, Half-Step Crushing Fist

It was a modified Swift Horse boat.

Its hull was long and narrow, with both ends pointed and raised. Built from old elm soaked in the finest tung oil, it was sturdy enough to take a beating. The bow had no heavy ram, but a layer of Fine Iron Sheathing wrapped around it, gleaming coldly.

Most important was the flag.

The triangular command flag embroidered with "Wave-Quelling" flew from the stern, snapping in the river wind.

Qin Geng reached out and touched its rough pole. The feel of it against his palm lifted the corner of his mouth.

This was authority.

Back in the Dragon King Society, he had been an outlaw living with his head tucked into his waistband. Kill someone, and he still had to work out how to dispose of the body and dodge official inquiries.

Now?

Once that flag went up, as long as he was on the water and had good cause, killing was law enforcement and taking goods was seizure.

"Fifth Master, she's a fine-looking boat."

The junior officer handling the handover smiled ingratiatingly as he passed Qin Geng the mooring line. "She was modified to Navy Scout Boat specifications. We added twin oars below. Set the sail when the wind's with you, row when it isn't. She's more than twice as fast as an ordinary fishing boat."

Qin Geng nodded, took two silver dollars from his coat, and tossed them over.

"A little something for you. Keep an eye on her, and don't let anyone tamper with her."

The officer fumbled the coins, then caught them. Beaming, he bowed even lower. "Rest easy! This boat's like my own father. Anyone lays a finger on her, I'll fight him to the death!"

Qin Geng said no more and sprang onto the bow.

The deck