Li Xiangping and the others waited for a while. Finally, they simply started chatting by the lakeside, laughing as they recounted amusing stories from their childhood. At last, they saw a faint silvery light rising from the center of the lake.
"Is that the large ship that's supposed to pick us up?"
They could see a long wooden ship swaying its way toward them from the middle of the lake, its sail draped with light white feathers. The ship itself was shrouded in a flowing spirit light, indicating it was a treasure of considerable worth.
Before the ship had drawn close, they heard a light call:
"Taoist fellows ahead, are you seeking passage to the Wangyue Lake market? How come you've arrived so late?"
"Indeed!"
Li Chijin and the others hastily responded, replying with deference:
"It's our first time coming to the Wangyue Lake market; we are unfamiliar with the protocols and have missed the proper hour."
"Hahaha, Taoist fellows are too polite."
