The Spirit Boat flew above the clouds for roughly three hours, passing over rivers, hills, and scattered villages and towns. Shortly after noon, the outline of Dragon Ascending Territory appeared on the horizon ahead.
In the distance, the Dragon Ascending Mountain Range stretched across the landscape, its ridges gleaming in varying shades of blue-green under the sunlight. The town at its foot spread along the riverbank, its houses neatly arrayed when viewed from above.
Xiao Yun slowed the Spirit Boat, gradually lowering its altitude.
Meanwhile, inside the Lord's Mansion in Dragon Ascending Town, several officials had already been waiting all morning.
The four deans of the Four Elements Academy sat on either side of the seat of honor in the council hall. Shui Yuntian occupied the first seat on the left, Huo Lie the first on the right, Feng Wuhen sat beside Shui Yuntian, and Yao Yang sat beside Feng Wuhen.
The commander of the guard regiment stood near the doorway, his posture ramrod straight and a saber at his waist. He had not taken a seat.
Ma Sanbao, commander of the naval escort fleet, sat in a chair off to one side, his fingers resting on his knees. He did not reach for the tea on the table.
Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang of the Soul Master guard unit also sat in the lowest-ranking seats.
Someone else had unexpectedly appeared in the hall: Old Madam Xu of the Sheng Family Trading Firm. She sat just below Huo Lie.
The other members of the Soul Master guard unit were stationed throughout the Lord's Mansion.
Every so often, someone in the lord's hall glanced out the window, then looked away again.
Shui Yuntian was the most composed of the four. She said little throughout the wait, only occasionally asking about the