Li Palace, main hall.
The First Emperor looked up at the figure appearing outside the door and frowned slightly.
"So early?"
Samael smiled. "I couldn't sleep, and with nothing else to do, I came to ask Your Majesty for a cup of tea."
The First Emperor's furrowed brow eased slightly, and he nodded. "Sit."
His slender arm casually swept across the table. Flowing Mercury surged from the patterns of the bronze table, sending ripples spreading outward as prepared tea leaves and tea utensils were delivered before the two of them.
At the same time, the constantly writhing and reshaping Mercury began methodically boiling mountain spring water and steeping the tea.
Its practiced, standard movements were mechanical and precise, like an invisible tea master attending to two kings of mankind.
Soon, tea filled the cups, and its rich fragrance spread through the hall.
Samael raised his cup and took a sip. His mouth instantly watered, and the lingering flavor seemed endless. His eyes lit up as he offered heartfelt praise.
"Excellent tea!"
"A byproduct of seeking immortals in the East Sea. If you like it, I'll give you a few pounds."
The First Emperor waved casually. More than a dozen jade cases flew out from within the liquid Mercury and landed before Samael in a neat row, fully displaying an emperor's grandeur and generosity.
"Then I'll gladly accept. Thank you."
Samael accepted with pleasure and stored the gift within his Magic Formations.
In truth, based on the memories and habits of his previous life, mixing drinks was merely an interest. Tea suited his preferences in beverages far better.
Fresh and elegant, it relieved fatigue and sharpened the mind.
And as the birthplace of tea culture, China had continuously cultivated and selected tea trees for thousands of years. The tea it produced