The wind in Vast Sea City tasted of salt.
Its walls were lower than those of inland cities, and salt crystals clung to the cracks between the stones like white frost all year round. Rows of fishing nets hung drying at the dock. Sea Soul Masters carried cargo back and forth across slick planks, their exposed skin tanned dark brown.
Bai Jin walked through the city Gate in a Spirit Hall elder's robe, drawing more stares than he cared for.
Yan followed with the luggage slung over his shoulder. "Couldn't you change into something ordinary?"
"No." Bai Jin's answer was crisp. "I came to investigate the Spirit Hall Branch Hall, not steal fish."
The Gates of the Vast Sea Branch Hall were shut tight.
Xie Yue knocked three times before footsteps sounded inside. A short, stout middle-aged bishop poked his head out. At the sight of the silver embroidery on the elder's robe, the color drained from his face.
"E-Elder Boundless?"
"So you know me. That saves an introduction." Bai Jin held out the Sea Route Token. "Open the Gate."
The bishop did not dare stop him.
Only twenty-odd low-level Soul Masters remained in the Branch Hall. A fire had broken out in the rear warehouse the night before. Smoke still rose from the charred beams, while several Deacons carried out the surviving crates.
Hu Liena picked up a blackened plank and brushed its surface with her fingertips. "The fire started inside. Someone cleared things out before we entered the city."
Bai Jin crouched beside the ashes and picked out a Steel Seal, more than half melted.
Half a Black Sail was still visible on its face. The back bore the number of a Holy Soul Grass cargo case.
The Six Eyes pierced the walls and found more than a