As the ancients said: food and sex were human nature!
But Hong Yuan had always kept himself above such indulgences and had little interest in women, as everyone knew and could plainly see.
He did, however, enjoy fine wine and good food.
Within Brightlight Courtyard.
Hong Yuan stood at ease, gazing at an artificial lake spanning two or three mu before him.
Behind him stood Tao Gongwang and his son Tao Jingxing, Xie Yansheng, and several other senior members of the Sea-Calming Alliance, their hands held respectfully at their sides.
Tao Xiyue and Xu Qingjing had also come to see the curiosity, their two pairs of bright eyes fixed on the lake.
The small lake nestled within the gardens was anything but calm. Beneath its green waters, something like a vicious flood dragon or giant python seemed to be whipping up waves, sending sprays of water several yards high bursting into the air.
Wave after wave surged toward the shore, battering the blue-gray stones piled along its edge.
Suddenly, a drumlike drone rang out. Amid the flying spray, an enormous creature covered in rock-gray scales shot out of the water, frantically fleeing toward the opposite bank.
Tao Xiyue and Xu Qingjing could not help crying out in surprise. The sight of such an extraordinary beast also startled Tao Gongwang, Xie Yansheng, and the others.
Naturally, this was the Abyssal Alligator Dragon!
The newly reorganized Sea-Guard Army was stationed in two camps: the first at South Water Gate, the former base of the Jintang Battalion, and the second here at Brightlight Courtyard.
The Alligator Dragon had been transported to the Prefectural City not long ago and delivered to this courtyard.
But Hong Yuan had no intention of keeping it as a pet. The thing was savage and vicious, ugly to boot,