Xu Yuan Takes Office

Clear Sand River Water Manor stood atop a stone cliff beside a natural backwater bend of the Clear Sand River.

White walls and blue tiles, a sprawling complex of upturned eaves and bracketed roofs built along the mountainside, stretching for hundreds of zhang. From afar, it did possess a touch of immortal grandeur.

A pale-blue curtain of formation light shrouded the entire Water Manor, slowly flowing beneath the afternoon sun and emanating ripples of spiritual power.

Yet when Xu Yuan's green escape light descended onto the broad bluestone platform before the manor's main gate, the sight before him carried an indescribable desolation.

The two heavy black-lacquered gates were tightly shut, their bronze rings dull and tarnished. The guard post, where someone should have been standing watch, was completely empty, and weeds had already sprouted between the stone steps.

Through the formation's light curtain, the buildings within the manor could vaguely be seen standing silent and still, with scarcely a soul in sight. Only the river wind passed beneath the eaves of the corridors, letting out a mournful howl.

"What a Clear Sand River Water Manor."

Xu Yuan's expression remained calm. His gaze swept over the deserted gateway, and he already had a more direct impression of how the Clear Sand River had been governed under that old garrison commander surnamed Liu.

He stepped forward, his voice clear but carrying the penetrating force unique to a Foundation Establishment cultivator as it rang distinctly through the Water Manor. "Xu Yuan, the newly appointed garrison commander of Jade Dragon Palace, has arrived. Manor stewards, come out at once to receive me!"

His voice echoed through the silent Water Manor. A moment later, a small side door beside the main entrance creaked open, and a flustered middle-aged man in the attire of a Water