Harton River

Fun. What was that?

The White Peak Sect maintained a very strict but unique hierarchy. Positions among disciples were not based upon cultivation strength or connection but rather was determined by the sect's most popular spiritual treasure. The White Stairs.

There were many rumours surrounding the treasure. Some said it was a remnant of the Past Immortal Age, others insisted that it was an artefact refined by the first Sect master.

The treasure was a long stairway leading to the peak of the mountain. It took 18,579 steps to reach the top. Your position within the stairs was determined by the number of steps. Those who reached the peak were the legacy disciple.

Raizel was the first legacy disciple in his generation. He had been given a few years to cultivate and get familiar with the Daoist world before dumping all the responsibilities on him.

He was in charge of managing the disciples and meditating fights. He was the supervisor of over 20 halls while acting as a liaison between the disciples and the Elders of the sect.

When Lucas reached the white peak, he thought that help had arrived, however, what entered his life was more work.

Not only did Lucas not care about his duties as the second senior martial brother of the White Peak Sect, but Raizel also had to manage this junior martial brother that seemed to attract trouble like flies.

Then the incident happened. His sect encountered a calamity and was destroyed. Raizel had to look after Lucas while searching for other surviving members.

Then the revenge, the organising of the union, the first battle, the second battle and finally the war. He had always been saddled with his duties and responsibilities.

Looking back Raizel had never had time to do something as meaningless as he did for the past two days. The gambling, face painting and games were all new to him.

Fun, huh.

Raizel stopped some of the rice with his spoon, pairing it with a chicken stewed mushroom, he ate it slowly. It had a richer taste than the one he ordered for takeout at Sein city.

The chicken seemed to have stewed for a long time because it was very soft. The mushroom that had absorbed the savoury broth was extremely flavourful.

Raizel filled another bowl of rice this time, he chose the spicy fish sauce to eat it with. The fish in the sauce was fish fillets so it had very few bones. He picked a piece and placed it in the spoon, he also added the bean sprouts, potato strips and bean curd skin into the spoon, finally he added the rice and topped the sauce as a finish. 

It was a spoonful of wicked delight. It was a type of punishment but one couldn't help himself. So spicy that it almost numbed the tongue.

While waiting for Austin to finish eating, he casually drank the chilled lemon drink.

"You guys are still eating." Nathan's voice was filled with disapproval.

Austin calmly looked at Nathan who just entered the restaurant and started in a gentle tone, "You can…"

Beep!

Austin looked at the message on his phone and his face drastically changed.

"Bastard!" He swore before he switched off his phone.

Looking up, he saw two pairs of eyes looking at him before he sighed, "It is.."

Nathan cut him off at once, "I don't want to hear. I have no desire to get involved."

"The Tickets?" Raizel asked. He did not intend to watch another argument today.

Nathan just turned a little pink. This was a good thing for Raizel, at least he has stopped his theatrics.

Nathan gave them the card with their number on it. "I am no 654, Raizel is no 655, and you are no 656."

Austin was a little surprised when he took the card, "Did you just leave an hour ago? Are you sure there is no zero behind this number?"

Nathan smiled, "Well, I know a guy that knows a guy but that's not important. What's important is that we are going to be among the next Batch so kindly get up, let's go and secure our boat."

"We will be going into deeper waters." Raizel reminded him

"So?"

"So a mundane like you will be turned into shreds by the first fish we see." Austin decided to explain the situation.

Nathan waved his hands dismissively, "That's no problem. I have protective talismans. You just need to activate it for me besides you will need a chef on board, right? I have a chef's certificate and I am currently unemployed."

They arrived at Harton Port.

It was very lively and festive at the Harton Port. Many people hung many festive lanterns of yellow and green, while other people strolled leisurely along the riverbanks. There were plenty of young couples teasing each other beside the river. 

The autumn wind got stronger. Most of the rattan vines had dried and withered, and leaves floated down from the mountains above into the river. Sometimes, the wind will rustle, picking up the fallen leaves and sending them floating. creating a picturesque scene.

The shallow parts of the Harton River were not very dangerous and the shores were especially safe. Near the bank of the river, there were various restaurants of different sizes with various coloured lanterns strewn over them. Sweet melodies and soft music originated from the restaurants enticing and beckoning the tired fishermen to come into their arms for a rest.

Near the docks were lined over one thousand boats of all sizes, numbered and arranged well.

There was little fear that the river would be clustered, the Harton river was enormous. The wind provoked the current making it rise even higher.

Once every minute, a large fish would leap out of the water and accurately capture the bird flying above.

The river roared and waves whipped about.

Seeing Nathan shiver for the third time, Austin chuckled, "Not too late to change your mind. We will bring some Hartil fish back."

"Impossible. I heard it is the sweetest when it is fished out. I must eat it then." Nathan was determined. If one should ask him to choose between fish or life, he would immediately choose fish.

Raizel agreed with him. They had come to the river, the fish must be eaten. His hands made a motion and the boat was pulled into the water. However, the wind continued to rise, while the temperature dropped.

Raizel narrowed his eyes, he suddenly had a bad feeling.