News of an Old Friend, Both Joy and Sorrow

When Xiang Yuan entered the office, Yang Wenqing was leaning back in his chair, his gaze fixed on a sea chart spread across the desk. He pointed to the chair opposite the desk, signaling Xiang Yuan to sit.

After taking his seat, Xiang Yuan casually placed the folder in his hand on the desk. The secretary soon brought over a cup of hot tea, set it by his hand, and quietly withdrew.

Only then did Yang Wenqing shift his gaze from the sea chart to Xiang Yuan.

Xiang Yuan sat up straight, opened the folder, and reported, "Three days ago, based on intelligence provided by the Dragon Palace, we conducted a joint operation with them and wiped out an unruly Water Demon tribe on the seafloor. The operation itself went smoothly, but during the follow-up investigation, we discovered connections between that Water Demon tribe and the Jade Whale Sect."

He turned a page and continued, "We have confirmed the existence of an underwater base in the northern deep-sea region dedicated to training the Aquatic Clan. However, we can only determine its approximate location for now. In my personal judgment, taking down this base will require at least two regiments."

Yang Wenqing reached out for the folder, opened it, and quickly scanned its contents before asking, "What is the Dragon Palace's attitude?"

Xiang Yuan immediately replied, "They are more concerned than we are. As far as I know, the Dragon Palace has agreed to dispatch five elite thousand-man units. I heard Prince Ao Yuan will personally lead them."

Yang Wenqing lifted his eyes from the document and glanced at Xiang Yuan before lowering them back to the page. As he read, he said, "Don't you find something strange? The Dragon Palace has usually preferred conciliation when dealing with disobedient Water Demon