Ao Bing's View of the Situation in Central Province

Dongfeng Island.

Ao Bing's Daoist sanctuary stood atop a mountain over a thousand zhang high at the center of the island. The mountain had neither green hills nor clear waters, for it was surrounded by magnificent pavilions and towers. Dense Water Spirit Formations lay between the buildings, spiraling upward and converging upon a grand palace at the mountaintop.

White jade steps more than ten zhang high surrounded the palace. Every tier was guarded by aquatic soldiers like heavenly troops, protecting the main hall at the very top. The azure halo radiating above the hall continuously spread toward all sides of the island, forming a faintly visible barrier.

The barrier enveloped the entire Dongfeng Island. On the island's southern side stood a Daoist temple, where disciples from Linshui Prefecture cultivated. The northern woods held countless exotic flowers and rare herbs, along with innumerable precious fruit trees. At a glance, one could tell that Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures thrived within.

The pavilion on the palace's top floor seemed somewhat empty beneath its resplendent gold and jade decorations, for the only thing inside was a chessboard set in the center. The surrounding windows stood wide open, allowing sunlight to pour in completely. The reflected radiance made the hall appear even more sumptuous.

A person sat cross-legged on each side of the chessboard. One was Ao Bing, master of this palace; the other was Kai Yun of Vajra Temple. Both wore blue Daoist Robes. Wisps of blue smoke rose from the incense burner beside them, and each had a cup of hot tea before him, while a Young Disciple in the distance held the teapot.

"This plain tea truly lifts the spirit."

After taking a sip from his cup, Kai Yun smiled and commented, "Fellow Daoist True Yang once roasted such tea leaves