After much effort, Bai Jianglan finally managed to coax Chun Tao back, and then ordered someone to help Qin Sang to his feet.
"Brother Qin, Ms. Chun Tao was only concerned for her lady's safety and acted out of necessity. Please don't take it to heart. I must trouble you to rest in the aft cabin for the night. I'll have someone bring you some food shortly. Once we reach the dock of the City of Three Witches, we'll see you off. The City of Three Witches is a major thoroughfare for merchants from both the north and south; perhaps you'll find someone from your hometown there..."
Qin Sang was overwhelmed with gratitude. He remembered the two money pouches he had on him and quickly took them out, saying, "Brother Bai, I have nothing to repay your life-saving grace. These gold and silver coins were taken from the bandits I killed. I hope you won't mind accepting them..."
"Hey!"
Bai Jianglan frowned and pushed Qin Sang's hand back.
"Back when I was weak in martial arts, I traveled the world and often received help from chivalrous people. That's how I've survived until now. Today, I'm merely following the example of those who came before me, doing a small righteous deed. There's no need to mention money again, or I'll throw you off this ship!"
Qin Sang felt embarrassed and awkwardly retracted his hand.
The man who was supporting him chuckled. "Boss Bai earns over a thousand taels of silver a year. Why would he be greedy for your little bit of money? Keep it for yourself to find a wife when you return home."
The aft cabin had a few small rooms, originally meant for the boatmen to rest. Now they were filled with miscellaneous items. They found a relatively clean one, piled with straw, and later brought down a quilt. Though simple, it was something Qin Sang hadn't even dared to dream of for the past few months.
After settling Qin Sang in, Bai Jianglan and his men returned to the upper deck. Not long after, someone came down with a set of old clothes and a hot meal. Qin Sang devoured the food, barely tasting it.
He changed into the clothes, wrapped himself tightly in the quilt, and after a long while of random thoughts, he finally drifted into a deep sleep.
Before falling asleep, he felt for the ebony sword and a few other items on his chest but resisted the urge to take them out and look at them.
...
He slept like a log through the night.
When Qin Sang opened his eyes, he felt more refreshed than ever, despite the gentle rocking of the cabin.
His stomach growled again, and he had no idea what time it was.
Qin Sang sat up, found a stick, and slowly stood. Leaning on the stick, he discovered that he could now walk slowly, once again marveling at the wonders of internal force.
Step by step, he moved to the ladder at the bottom of the aft cabin. He heard loud shouts coming from above, and soon after, the man who had helped him the day before popped his head down.
Additionally, the city housed a royal palace, where one of the eight kings of the Great Sui, the Zhenshui King, was stationed.
With the Zhenshui King's army maintaining order, the city was stable, and merchants from various countries preferred to conduct business there.
The first dock was the largest in the City of Three Witches. If Qin Sang wished to return home, it would be the easiest place to find merchants from his homeland.
While listening to Zhou Ning's rambling, Qin Sang’s gaze remained fixed on Bai Jianglan and his men, gradually noticing certain details. Such strict discipline was something Qin Sang had only seen in soldiers before. Coupled with Chun Tao's unintentional mention last night that they were sent by a king to protect the young lady, Qin Sang began to wonder. Can these men be guards of a king?
Qin Sang glanced at the flower hall, recalling that Zhou Ning had mentioned there were thirteen commanderies in the Great Sui, with eight kings of esteemed rank, second only to the emperor. Who can this young lady be, to warrant a king sending soldiers to escort her?
"Zhou Ning!"
Zhou Ning instantly snapped to attention, his demeanor turning sharp. "Yes!"
"Fall in line!"
"Yes!"
Zhou Ning ran back to join the formation, while Bai Jianglan approached. Qin Sang struggled to his feet to greet him, "Brother Bai..."
Bai Jianglan waved off the formalities. "No need for that, how did you sleep last night? The brothers’ skills are crude, I hope Brother Qin doesn’t find it laughable."
"You’re all heroes and warriors, I admire you greatly! Brother Bai, if I start learning martial arts now, can I become as skilled as you?"
Qin Sang asked earnestly. He genuinely envied them and wanted to learn.
Bai Jianglan chuckled and replied, "I’m nothing. The true experts in the world can release their true qi externally, use internal force to create sword lights, and there are even legends of a true expert killing an immortal master. That’s what I call real skill."
"An immortal master can be killed by someone who practices martial arts?" Qin Sang was shocked and eagerly asked, "Brother Bai, have you ever seen an immortal master?"
Bai Jianglan shook his head, seeing through Qin Sang's intentions, and advised, "Immortal masters are as elusive as dragons—how many have actually seen one? Countless people seek immortality, but most end up wasting their lives in the deep mountains and rivers, achieving nothing. Don’t let yourself become obsessed and waste your best years."
1. "Dong" here translates to "East" in Chinese ☜