Journey: Hangzhou Arc (Twenty-Seven): Watching the Qiantang River Tide

Hangzhou, Xiaoshan, Beauty Dam).

Compared to the dozen or so kilometers we had just ridden, the humidity here was so high that you could almost smell it; you could even detect a faint salty, fishy odor.

The once wide river suddenly narrows at this point, with a long T-shaped dam plunging straight into the water like a dragon entering the sea.

"As for the origin of the name 'Beauty Dam,' one theory is that the dam is backed by Beauty Mountain, and the dam got its name from the mountain." Xiao Ling then took on the role of part-time tour guide for the girls.

Legend has it that the Dragon King of Qiantang was a beautiful princess who fell in love at first sight with a handsome young fisherman while playing in this area. They secretly pledged their lives to each other. The Dragon King was furious and decided to flood the area to force his daughter to change her mind. The princess and the fisherman refused and jumped into the river together, but they were unharmed. Later, it was learned that the Dragon King was moved by their deep love.

To commemorate the princess and the fishermen, later generations built a dam across the river at the spot where they landed, naming it ' Beauty Dam '.

"But real history is often far more brutal than legend," Roccia said softly.

"History..." Dania for a moment before saying, "I remember that the Qiantang River has a rare funnel-shaped topography, which is one of the main reasons why it is known as the world's number one tidal bore. However, if it encounters extreme weather, it can also become a fatal factor that causes disasters."

"Yaya actually went to learn it?" Sigrika's tone was a mixture of surprise and delight.

"I stumbled upon a related video while browsing online, and I figured it wouldn't hurt to learn more about it," Dania said with a smile.

"While Yaya's eagerness to learn deserves some recognition and encouragement, there are too many people around, so let's hold off for now," Xiao Ling said with a smile. "Or, Yaya can tell me if she has any rewards she'd like."

"A-Yu, is this a proper reward?" Aemeath asked, pouting.

"Does Little Ai want some kind of unconventional reward?" Xiao Ling teased.

Please be sure!

Then Little Ai got a tap on the head from Hajipiao, who was standing next to her.

"Waaah... A-Piao, you're bullying me..." (Image of a pitiful -Aemeath)

"Be more discreet in public," the Rover said with a hint of helplessness. "And you're also Xiao Ling!"

Xiao Ling smiled but didn't pick up on that topic, instead starting a new one on her own.

"There's still some time before the tide comes in, so let's get everything we want to talk about and prepare done now. It's going to be incredibly lively here once the tide arrives."

As they observed, many tourists who had come specifically to see the tide were already looking around anxiously before it even arrived, while some professionals were setting up their cameras on tripods, ready to capture the spectacular sight of the Qiantang River's tidal bore as soon as possible.

Just then, someone suddenly squeezed his hand. Xiao Ling turned his head and saw a pair of beautiful, bright blue eyes meeting his gaze without blinking.

"Um, Righteous One..." Cartethyia leaned closer, "Won't this Qiantang River tidal bore be dangerous?"

"There's definitely danger involved," Xiao Ling replied without hesitation.

"... Yes, I understand!" Cartethyia only hesitated for a moment before nodding her head firmly.

Seeing the wandering knight's heroic demeanor, Xiao Ling, somewhat speechless, gave her a sharp rap on the head, instantly breaking her composure.

"Meow!"

(Cart, why are you meowing like a cat too?)

"You've misunderstood, Cart." Xiao Ling looked at Cartethyia, who was clutching her head and looking completely bewildered, and said with a smile, "I said it's dangerous because there are always a few fools who get carried away by the tide and end up being swept away. It's essentially the same as the Dark Tide; one is the effect of the Lament, and the other is the power of nature."

"We will certainly respect nature, but we will not hesitate to strike hard against the Lament," Xiao Ling said with a smile. "Go back and tell everyone in Rinascita to just relax and watch the tide. It's just a normal natural phenomenon; there won't be any Tacet Discord suddenly emerging from the tide."

"Yes! I understand, Righteous One. I will certainly convey your message!"

As the clock struck ten in the morning, Suisui, who was chatting with Yangyang, keenly noticed the changes in the Qiantang River.

"It seems the time has come," she said with a light laugh.

Reminded by Suisui, Yangyang looked curiously into the distance and sure enough, she saw a group of tide chasers sailing across the river at the end of the river.

"Everything seems calm... Sister, are you mistaken?"

"What's the rush? The best is yet to come."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Yangyang heard the sound of surging tides in the wind blowing from the river.

Then, she saw the Qiantang River tidal bore rushing across the river like a thousand horses charging forward, its magnificent momentum exciting all those who came to watch the tide.

"How magnificent..." Lupa exclaimed in admiration as she watched the surging tide.

"It looks quite spectacular, but calling it the world's number one tide is a bit of an understatement," Iuno said earnestly. In her opinion, if the Qiantang River tide is called the world's number one tide, it must have something extraordinary about it.

"What's the rush? This is just the tip of the iceberg; the main event is yet to come," Xiao Ling chuckled. "If you don't believe me, just keep watching."

The Star Torch Academy students standing nearby were also intrigued by Xiao Ling's confident remarks. They watched intently as the tide gradually receded into the distance, eager to see what the highlight Hajiling was talking about would be like.

So everyone waited expectantly for a while longer, when the sharp-eyed Yangyang suddenly noticed that the tide, which should have been heading into the distance, was now rushing in with overwhelming force.

"Look! The tide is coming back!" she exclaimed excitedly, pulling Suisui along, pointing towards the receding tide in the distance.

"Not bad, this must be what they call a 'rebound tide,' right?" Suisui said, looking out from behind a tent.

The surging tide, once again drawing cheers from the audience, swept past them with overwhelming force.

"How was it, Lady Yu, the genius?" Xiao Ling snapped her fingers lightly. "The Qiantang River tide didn't disappoint you, did it?"

"Not bad, at least it lives up to its prestigious reputation," Iuno said with a smile.

"I say, the scenery is just right now, why don't we take a group photo here!" Lynae always had a lot of ideas, and at this moment she suggested taking a group photo with everyone here.

"What if I get swept away by the waves?" Xiao Ling retorted. "Are you planning to reenact that legend on me?"

"Then the female lead can only be Sister Jinhsi, right?" Aemeath teased.

"I will protect Young Master Xiao!" Jinhsi blushed slightly when suddenly called upon, but still firmly stated that she would protect Xiao Ling.

"Don't worry, Xixi, we're at a safe distance. At most, we'll get splashed, but the chances of us getting swept away are very low," Xiao Ling reassured her. "But if I'm unlucky enough to get swept away, then I'll have to trouble you and everyone else to get me out."

"Alright, stop dawdling, or we'll miss this beautiful view." Roccia took out her camera and gestured for everyone to move closer, so no one gets left behind. I don't offer photo editing services, you know?

The group laughed and lined up in a straight line, each choosing their own spot.

"Looks like everything's ready?" Roccia chuckled. "Then, three, two, one!"

"Eggplant!"

The Qiantang River doesn't say "cheese," so the only option for this group photo was to use its sudden, towering tidal bore as the backdrop.

With a click, the camera captured the moment when Xiao Ling and his group were in the same frame as Chong Tianchao.

Whether they were splashed with water by the uninvited Qiantang River is another story.