The Tao Yuan River flows from north to south, its banks shaded by willow trees. At a glance, both sides are emerald green—refreshing and soothing to the eye.
On the river, people row boats, most of them black-canopied skiffs, but only one warship stands out conspicuously.
On its deck, a group of martial artists dressed in deep blue robes, tiger-head iron belts at their waists, tiger-head boots on their feet, gathered together and discussed in low voices.
"The day before yesterday, the Lieyang Sect on Red Sun Peak had its mountain gate smashed, the Sect Leader Zhenren was wounded, and his daughter was abducted by villains, her whereabouts unknown."
"Five days ago, the Qingcheng Sect's Sect Leader was captured and tied to the gatehouse in Rich Town, ten miles away. When found, he'd been drenched in filth, the stench unbearable."
"Three days ago, half of the Yujiang Thirteen Dragons were slaughtered. Now, the surviving half is searching everywhere for the murderer."
