As the saying went, raise the sails to gather the splendor of stone; spread the canvas to pluck the moon from the sea.
The great ship rode downwind, like a cart rolling over a mantis.
Bearing down upon towering waves, it sailed farther and farther away.
"Father! I'm leaving!"
Zhou Youcai shouted toward the shore.
His father's eyes were already blurred with tears. "Son, take care on your journey."
The great ship left the dock, heading for a destination ten thousand miles away.
The towered ship threaded through the waves like a reed, swift and steady.
After a night had passed, some people sat on the deck, admiring the seascape.
Others drank on the deck.
The sea and sky stretched without end, and the ship was like a mustard seed upon the ocean.
Li Ping'an sat on the deck, enjoying the sea breeze.
"Old Ox, once we cross the Vast Sea, we'll reach Cloud Province. We're already halfway through our journey."
Old Ox let out an excited moo.
Li Ping'an rested his head on his hands. "The world is so vast. How long do you think it would take us to travel all of it?"
Beside him, Zhang Song said, "I never imagined you had such ambitions, Brother Li."
"Just something to do when I'm bored." Li Ping'an smiled. "I haven't asked what you're going to Cloud Province for, Brother Zhang."
"Me?"
"I'm only passing through Cloud Province. I'm heading to Demon-Suppressing Pass."
Li Ping'an raised his eyebrows slightly. "What a coincidence."
Zhang Song said, "You really are an interesting fellow, Brother Li, choosing Demon-Suppressing Pass of all places for a stroll."
"And what are you going there for, Brother Zhang?"
"To return a sword," Zhang Song said casually.
Li Ping'an smiled and asked no more.
Who wandered the martial