Five days later, the ship carrying Chu Xisheng finally reached the borders of Xunyang Commandery.
They were now only a day's voyage from West Mountain Town.
Chu Xisheng's heart was an arrow speeding home; it had already flown to the Chu family residence.
But their ship had only just reached the middle stretch of Xunyang Commandery when several vessels flying the Iron Banner Gang's flags approached.
At first there were only one or two, but gradually fifty or sixty gathered, following his ship like stars clustered around the moon.
Most were cargo ships under the Iron Banner Gang. Generally, only the shipowners and their chief hands-their deputies-were formal gang members; the other boatmen and laborers were merely peripheral members.
Yet these sturdy men were all tremendously excited to see Chu Xisheng, sharing in his glory.
News that Chu Xisheng had slain "Blood Dripper" Wang Sheng had yet to spread.
But scattered accounts of his joining the Ten Divine Talented Young Blades, sweeping through Heluo's young heroes, defeating the Capital City's Three Blades, and then beating Mo Qilin with a single slash had already reached Eastern Province, shaking all of Xiushui.
Over the past dozen days, almost all these boatmen and laborers had heard Chu Xisheng's name and deeds.
When had their Xiushui ever produced someone so impressive?
And this hero whose fame resounded throughout the land had actually come from their Iron Banner Gang. How could they not feel excited and proud?
Chu Xisheng also met an old acquaintance: Iron Banner Gang Incense Master Li Dehou, who had twice witnessed Heluo Fish attack him and sink his ship.
He had specifically waited at the border between Xiushui and Xunyang to deliver a message on Tie Kuangren's behalf.
Tie Kuangren was opening a grand incense assembly at the main headquarters, summoning