When Qin Li and Ji Yuyan first arrived in the unfamiliar coastal town, they began asking around for the most experienced sailor, the person who knew the Great Sea best. A waiter at a tavern told them without a moment's hesitation that if they were looking for such a person, it had to be Mr. Ouyang.
The waiter added that Mr. Ouyang's status was so high that even the City Lord had to treat him with respect. This was because Mr. Ouyang was a powerful expert, though he hadn't sailed the seas in decades.
This was precisely the kind of person Qin Li and Ji Yuyan were looking for. So, they first tried to visit Mr. Ouyang through official channels but were stopped at the gatehouse. The gatekeeper saw that while the pair had a distinguished air about them, they had no calling card and didn't appear to be locals. He simply barred their way, declaring that the old master was not receiving visitors.
