The deck of the large ship was as flat as a square, and the moment the two men leaped onto it, silence ensued.
The boatmen handling the ropes and steering the rudder cast their eyes toward them, slowly ceasing their tasks. Under the morning breeze, the robust figures were faintly outlined in relief. Pei Ye swept his gaze around, noting that nearly every man had a blade at his waist or by his side.
"Constable Xie looks unfamiliar," Chen Renzhong, dragging a wide blade, approached with his rugged face bronzed from the sun, "May I know the purpose of your visit?"
He spoke these few words very slowly, just like his steps. On this gigantic ship, more and more gazes were being cast their way amidst the foggy morning and boiling river, leaving them isolated with only two swords.
"We suspect your ship of carrying forbidden goods, order you to lower the sails and submit to an inspection immediately," Xie Chuantang repeated his command, his tone and gaze as cold as before.
