An Old Friend Visits, Discussing the Dao Over Tea

April arrived.

The sea breeze had shed the chill of early spring, carrying warm moisture from farther south and blowing the morning mist over the Redstone Archipelago into wisps of white gauze.

Yang Wenqing had just returned to the Governor-General's Mansion after his routine inspections of Gale County and Iron Spine County. Before he even had time to change clothes, Xiang Yuan came to see him with the spoils from the campaign against Ao Tai's remaining forces.

The high seas really were prosperous. They had seized quite a few heavenly treasures the Demon Clan had accumulated.

Yang Wenqing had little interest in such things and asked directly, "How many Energy Stones would they fetch?"

Xiang Yuan replied, "Eight thousand to ten thousand."

"That many?"

"Probably more, not less!"

"Then convert my share entirely into Energy Stones."

"All right!"

Early the next morning.

Xiang Yuan arrived at the Governor-General's Mansion with fifteen hundred Energy Stones. Naturally, Yang Wenqing did not refuse, since this was the portion due to him by convention.

The following days were all bright and sunny, with nothing noteworthy taking place. The Redstone Region had finally entered a period of stable development.

On the morning of the seventh, before the sky had fully brightened, Yang Wenqing was already above the stretch of sea reserved for his daily cultivation.

After practicing his spells, he returned to the Governor-General's Mansion with Lan Ying. Chen Shi and Zhou Xiaohe were already sparring in the training grounds behind the residence.

Yang Wenqing stood by the edge of the training grounds until eight o'clock. Only after his two disciples paused their sparring did he turn and head into the office area in the front courtyard.

Today's official business was not particularly urgent. After spending an hour handling several necessary matters, he instructed Yang