Though there were plenty of passengers on the lower deck, the questioning proceeded quickly.
The burly man stood on the raised platform, sweeping his gaze across the hall like a searchlight. His right hand rested on the hilt of the saber at his waist, as though he were ready to spring into action at any moment.
Soon, it was Cheng Yu's turn.
"What's your name?"
"Yunyangzi."
"Why did you board this ship?"
"To travel around the Eastern Continent."
"We found traces in your room that don't belong to you. What's the explanation?"
"I have a spirit beast mount. When there's nothing to do, I sometimes let him out for some fresh air."
"Please bring out your mount so I can take a look."
Cheng Yu released Niu Ba from the Spirit Beast Bag. The moment he emerged, Niu Ba let out a moo, then rubbed his head against Cheng Yu.
The commotion drew everyone's attention, and the man on the platform looked toward Cheng Yu as well.
The soldier seemed a little surprised, then continued his questioning.
"Where were you two hours ago?"
"Asleep on deck."
"Who can confirm that?"
Cheng Yu thought for a moment before answering.
"If you mean the entire two hours, no one can confirm it. But an hour ago, I spoke with a female lay practitioner named Nuan Yu. She should be able to vouch for me, I suppose."
"Why do you sound so uncertain?"
Cheng Yu shrugged.
"That lady is an upper-deck passenger. What if she thinks speaking to a lower-deck passenger like me damages her standing and refuses to admit it? After all, in the eyes of those upper-deck people, nothing is worth less than the lives of ordinary folks like us."
The soldier knew exactly what Cheng Yu meant, and his gaze