"Get on," the middle-aged man said, beckoning to Xu Zimo.
Xu Zimo stepped onto the small boat.
The middle-aged man worked the oars, and the boat gradually drifted away along the Clear River.
"They've all gone to worship the Dragon Tiger God. Why aren't you going?" Xu Zimo asked curiously.
"There's no need to go. The Dragon Tiger God must have his reasons for protecting the city. It certainly isn't because he wants the townsfolk's worship," the middle-aged man said with a smile, shaking his head.
He rowed the boat, every stroke carrying a rhythm.
It was as though there were some special cadence to it.
"You're quite interesting," Xu Zimo said with a smile.
"Young Master, you aren't from Dragon Tiger City, are you?" the middle-aged man asked.
"Mhm. I just happened to be passing through," Xu Zimo nodded.
"How did you know?"
"Thousands of people come and go through Dragon Tiger City every day, and I know every one of them by heart," the middle-aged man said with a smile.
"I've lived here for a very long time."
"So you've been protecting this city all along?" Xu Zimo said calmly, his gaze fixed on the end of the Clear River.
The river water was crystal clear. Lotuses bloomed within it, the white lotus flowers like young maidens in white dresses dancing in the water.
Hearing Xu Zimo's words, the middle-aged man abruptly raised his head and gave him a deep look.
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Of course the Dragon Tiger God doesn't need to worship himself," Xu Zimo said with a smile.
"Don't worry. I mean you no harm, and I have no interest in Dragon Tiger City."
The middle-aged man studied Xu Zimo briefly before taking off the yellow bamboo hat on his head.