Le Yu arrived at the third floor of the Imperial Guard Faction teaching building and found the "Radiant Stone Alchemy Studies and Mentors' Office." He knocked lightly, and Zhu Yan's voice came from behind the door: "Come in."
Le Yu pushed open the door, and a hazy white smoke greeted him. Zhu Yan's office was enormous. The bookshelves lining both sides were packed tightly and arranged neatly, the floor was spotless, the trash bin was empty, and there was no ash in the ashtray—but there really were documents on the desk.
Although the furnishings were rigid and monotonous, the office did not feel gloomy or lifeless. On the desk sat a lifelike dragon-shaped paperweight, a picture of Radiance's glorious land hung on the wall, a set of wind chimes swayed from the curtains, hundreds upon hundreds of paper cranes hung on the white walls, more than a dozen glass bottles sat on the cabinet filled with colorful little stars, and the cabinets were packed with gleaming trophies and medals.
There was a small balcony in the office. Zhu Yan, dressed in a black coat, was moving a chair onto it. A brazier sat in front of him, and he was tossing yellow paper and spirit money into the flames.
"Sit down first. I'll be done soon," the old man said. "Close the door when you come in."
Facing Zhu Yan, Le Yu did not dare to fool around. He obediently sat in the guest chair—then noticed that Zhu Yan's own chair was made entirely of wood, while all the guest chairs had cushions.
It was the exact opposite of Cha Huan, who did not even provide chairs for his guests.
After a while, Zhu Yan used up his spirit money and closed the small balcony door. Le Yu thought for