Dragonkeeper

As time passes, Ping grows to love sailing on the river. As Jiang Bing teaches her about the world, Ping begins to fantasize about Jiang Bing becoming like a mother to her and being her caretaker when Danzi reaches the ocean. Jiang Bing always feeds them the same meal, which is flavored with a specific but unknown herb. Despite the voyage’s many pleasures, Ping still feels uncomfortable around the orange cat.

One day, Jiang Bing reveals that they will stop at Wucheng. This alarms Ping, who recognizes Wucheng as the city of sorcerers and necromancers who covet dragon parts. Danzi, however, reveals that this stop was always part of his plan, since the dragon stone is likely in Wucheng. The city is built beside an active volcano, and the area is dark and ugly. Nothing growing, and the city has many secrets to hide.

Ping is upset about leaving Jiang Bing and entering Wucheng, but she pays the boatwoman and goes into town with Danzi. She doesn’t know which way to go, but Danzi tells her to use her abilities and qi to sense the stone’s presence. She obeys but cannot sense Diao’s presence.