At Huagu Military City, formerly part of the Human-Demon Defense Line, Ye Zhen had already moved into the temporarily cleared and repaired Commander Hall.
Over the past few years, Huagu Military City had been ravaged into a filthy mess by the Devil Race, who had no talent for management. Only after immense effort had the Zhenhai Army's central command managed to clear out a patch of usable buildings.
Inside the Commander Hall, a glazed kettle bubbled and rolled atop faintly glowing coals, releasing a clean fragrance that seemed to seep straight into the lungs and entrails.
"Mm, that must be the scent of Hundred Year White Jade Fruit brewed in water." Yu Zhongwen's laughter sounded from outside.
Once he entered the main tent, Yu Zhongwen sniffed again. "three hundred years—at least a Three Hundred Year White Jade Fruit, paired with Red Li Tea from Jiuli Peak. This is not something one often sees."
Ye Zhen smiled faintly and gestured for him to sit. "It was bestowed by His Majesty. It isn't difficult to obtain, though it takes some effort. But with military affairs so numerous now, I don't have that much time to fetch it myself."
He lifted the kettle.
A pale brown stream of water surged from the spout like the Heavenly River pouring down, falling into exquisite blue-patterned ice-jade bowls. As the stream struck, white mist billowed up, and that strange fragrance spread once more.
"Please."
Yu Zhongwen smiled, lifted his tea bowl, and took a light sip. A look of bliss crossed his face, and then he drained it in one gulp.
"Good tea!"
Ye Zhen said nothing. He too emptied his bowl, then lifted the kettle again. After three consecutive rounds, he flicked his sleeve. The fire went out, the water ceased, and the fragrance dispersed.