Mei Qiao’s vessel entered the outer harbor under Lian’s guidance and tied beside a row of fishing skiffs. The harbor was crowded with low boats, net racks, and barrels set close to the waterline. Yan, Qinghe, and Han unloaded the clinic case, maps, and copied scripture fragments. They kept the shrine notes inside the oilcloth wrap until Lian pointed them toward the guest-house landing.
A harbor official waited by a small table at the end of the pier. He asked each traveler’s name and the reason for the visit. Han answered for the group. “We seek the ancestral record of Soul-Lantern Division. We will follow local rules while we wait for permission.”
The official wrote down the names and looked over their packed weapons. “Keep them closed. The harbor bell signals a storm watch. If it rings, leave the wall and go to the marked shelter.”
“We will,” Han said.
He did not ask them to hand over the weapons or declare them welcome. The group was permitted to enter the harbor, not to inspect every part of it. Yan kept that distinction in mind.
The official pointed to a locked box beside his table. “If you need to use a weapon, tell the harbor watch first. We will have someone witness it.”
