A constant stream of boats laden with salt, iron, tea, and grain plied back and forth, thousands upon thousands of them, resembling a long dragon being pulled ashore by boatmen.

Earlier, Bai Ming had been leaning over the bow of the ship, observing from afar the wide avenue on either side, capable of accommodating several carriages side by side, lined with teahouses, eateries, restaurants, and pharmacies, all adjacent to each other, with impressive facades and clean storefronts, bustling with life. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Of course, what attracted him most were the various street foods being hawked along the way, with enticing names like "steamed buns," "sweet fermented rice," "shao mai," and "soup rice" filling the air.

"This is the County City."

Bai Ming bounced lightly on his feet, following behind his elder brother, finding everything curious, reminiscent of the first time he was taken to the temple fair in Black River County by his parents as a child.

"Indeed, it’s bustling."

Bai Qi inclined his ear to the rush of chaotic sounds, painting a mental picture of vendors, carriages, clerks, and laborers, like a long scroll unfurling in his mind.

"Let’s find a place to stay and fill our stomachs, then head to the He Family later.

Me, a disciple of Ninghai Zen, eating a flowing banquet at a brokerage, seems a bit odd."

He turned slightly and knocked on his younger brother’s head:

"Had I known you’d be so seasick, I wouldn’t have brought you along; you almost vomited your guts out, enduring this unnecessarily..."

Bai Ming pouted, his face a little pale, but he did not feel regret.

He never imagined that he, the brother of Black River County’s number one fisherman Bai Qilang, would get seasick.

It’s so embarrassing if word got out!

"Oh well, at worst, I’ll take carriages in the future. If... if you become a Daoist Official one day, maybe you’ll even control swords!

Seasickness is nothing as long as you’re not afraid of heights!"

Bai Qi then comforted his younger brother, knowing that at the docks there must be a brokerage nearby, responsible for renting carriages, mule carts, or providing lodging services.

He was just about to search when he saw Xiaoliuzi, nimble and quick-footed, approaching them:

"First time for you young masters?"

Bai Qi squinted, opening his perceptive eye and ear senses, a little surprised.

This little lad making a living at the docks actually knew a few tricks?

He had already mastered the level of managing Qi Blood and Refined Power.

Recalling the past, even the fishing overlord Yangquan from Black River County’s East Market had just crossed this threshold.

"We’re outsiders, visiting friends."

Bai Qi did not sense any strong malice, so he followed the conversation.

"You can just call me Xiaoliuzi, I’m doing odd jobs for Pai Bang here, have you heard of Pai Bang?

Hong the Dragon Head of Yihai is a renowned figure, even in the Celestial Water Prefecture, he’s second to none!"

Xiaoliuzi raised his thumb, his tone familiar and smooth.

"Who hasn’t heard of the Pai Bang Leader.

Little brother, do you have any instructions for me?"

Bai Qi asked casually.

With the sharp intuition cultivated in his previous life, he sensed a familiar aura from this lad.

Acting like a powerful figure, subtly boosting oneself.

A common tactic in shady dealings.

"Immediately tagged as a fat sheep after disembarking, Yihai Prefecture indeed has a simple folk style."

Bai Qi found it amusing, glancing at himself, and then at his younger brother Bai Ming.

Truth be told, in this age, wearing something out of the ordinary, with no attendants or servants, and no carriage welcoming them after disembarking,

it did fit the "fat sheep" profile.

"Advice is too much, I have no other matters, just seeing two extraordinary young masters, clearly not locals, thought I’d say hello.

I’m quite well-spoken at the docks and familiar with Yihai Prefecture, if there’s anything you two young masters need, feel free to let me know."

Xiaoliuzi indeed was a clever one; such self-promoting talk from his mouth somehow felt quite endearing.

"Oh, so you have wide connections, little brother?"

Bai Qi chuckled, gently lifting his chin, looking towards an old Daoist and little Daoist child a hundred steps away:

"See that sword? I quite fancy it; can you get it for me?"

Xiaoliuzi was stunned, then awkwardly replied:

"Young master, you’re really joking; I do legitimate business; stealing and such isn’t in my repertoire."

Bai Qi’s expression became serious, and he said sternly:

"I figured those who can handle the hustle and bustle of the docks must have some skills and guts.

Venturing into Jianghu, traveling abroad, one’s identity is self-bestowed, but a reputation must be earned.

I have a junior brother who once did business in... well, in the Capital City.

He’d ask anyone he caught if they wanted a good horse, then guide them to the horse market, asking which one they liked.

If they chose one, he’d act directly, delivering it by the next day."

Xiaoliuzi listened in a daze, daring to target horse merchants?

Moreover, this supposed "fat sheep" had more Jianghu spirit than the big brother?

While in a daze, an elderly, slightly hunched-back man approached.

With just a cold sidelong glance from him, it felt like electricity coursing through Xiaoliuzi, a tingly, fine pain spread through him, leaving him temporarily powerless.

"The docks of Yihai County City are filled with all sorts of characters; the master feared some might not be savvy enough, so he specifically had me here waiting."

Uncle Yang respectfully addressed Bai Qi.

As he raised his eyes for an assessment, he was surprised at how the vigor and essence of Master Bai Qi of Black River County seemed to have deepened since they last met.

It appeared his martial arts had further improved.

Especially his eyes, which seemed to glow with a crystalline brilliance, giving an extraordinary impression at first sight.

"Brother He is thoughtful. I haven’t even replied to the mourning note he sent, and having you wait here all day is truly troublesome."

After having some fun with Xiaoliuzi, Bai Qi put away his frivolous smile and spoke to the old servant beside He Jingfeng: