“Clear mountains, flowing waters, and the sun high in the sky. Oh, how the good wind carries on...”0

The rough voice echoed across the clear blue river as a small boat slowly cut through the tranquil waters between the hills. The rowing sent ripples across the mirrored reflection of blue skies and white clouds on the water’s surface.0

Suddenly, his singing paused as he looked into the distance.0

At the crumbling ferry dock of Zi Commandery stood a young Daoist priest. By his side crouched a calico cat, and behind him stood a sturdy jujube-red horse.0

“Whoosh...” A swallow darted past in front of the boatman, swift as an arrow.0

“Well, I’ll be…”0

The old boatman rubbed his eyes and called out. Hearing a response, he hurriedly rowed his boat closer.0

Moments later, the boat had pushed off from the dock once again, this time carrying a new load: the jujube-red horse, the young Daoist priest, and the calico cat. The cat perched herself on the edge of the boat, leaning forward to peer into the water, seemingly lost in her thoughts.0

The Daoist, meanwhile, addressed the boatman, “Sir, you’ve got a leg injury, and you’re not young anymore. Why are you still ferrying passengers on the river?”0

“Well, it’s all to make a living,” the boatman said, waving his hand dismissively. Then he glanced at Song You, his tone cautious. “Though, to be honest, sir, after the last time I ferried you,...0