Fang Hong grabbed the sturdy rope ladder and climbed onto the platform, where he found Bakins leaning alone by the ship's side, staring blankly at the distant sand. He greeted the bosun, who merely gave him a smile and asked:
"Back already, Captain?"
Fang Hong flipped over the ship's side, landing lightly on the deck, and nodded: "I took care of some business at the Artisan Association. Where is everyone else?"
"Down below."
Fang Hong glanced downwards, in that direction of the courtyard where a layer of green shade was cast by the grape trellises. Under the scorching desert sun, it not only remained vibrant but grew even more lush and attractive. Under the dense leaves stood Luo Yu, Tianlan, Xiangzi, and Gita, engaged in attack and defense practice with Reed.
The Lion Paladin claimed to be above Level 20, but when Xiangzi and the others were around Level 10, he could handle four alone. And now that the four were near Level 20, he could still easily take on three.
