The little boat returned before dawn to a stretch of shore near Heaven-Bearing Harbor, not far from the Thirteen Pavilion Quarter.
Only, Qi Zhongbin and Yan Shouyun had gone together, with a dozing Hui Mian along for the ride, but on the return journey, only Yan Shouyun remained. At least, that was what he thought.
Yan Shouyun knew something of sculling and brought the little boat toward shore on his own.
He gazed at the lights of the Thirteen Pavilion Quarter and listened to the singing of orioles and dancing of swallows that continued even before daybreak, but his thoughts did not linger there. They had already flown into Heaven-Bearing Prefecture City.
Clearly, Yan Shouyun understood that he faced a stern trial: driving out evil spirits and saving the land. It was also a test for admission to a master's lineage. If he passed, perhaps he could become the Old Celestial Master's disciple.
As he pondered, the bow nudged the bank. The rocking boat shook Yan Shouyun out of his thoughts, and he hurriedly set down the oar and passed through the cabin to the bow. But after a careful search, he could not find the mooring rope.
Well, I can't just stay aboard, can I?
Yan Shouyun looked around, then turned his gaze to the willow twigs on shore.
Right, I can tie it up with willow twigs!
Yan Shouyun carefully stepped ashore, then immediately reached back to hold the bow and keep it from drifting away. He shifted the boat's position as he moved a few steps, then turned to grasp the long willow twigs swaying in the wind.
Although it was winter, the willow twigs by the river still seemed wonderfully supple.
Yet in that brief instant, when Yan Shouyun turned back, he was startled to find