After Long Xuan'en regained the throne, Hong Beimo emerged as the foremost contributor to the restoration. Under his command, the Heavenly Secrets Bureau had swiftly regained its former glory-even surpassed it.
Hu Xiaotian had passed the gates of the Heavenly Secrets Bureau more than once, but he had never gone inside. Today, he had come to find Baobao, though his stated purpose was to seek an audience with Hong Beimo. He had never dealt with Hong Beimo face-to-face. Their several clashes had all taken place in the shadows.
Today, Hu Xiaotian had even brought two boxes of tea.
When Hong Beimo heard that Hu Xiaotian had come asking to see him, he was somewhat surprised. He was deeply curious about the young man himself. Only after Hu Xiaotian killed several of his subordinates at the Heavenly Dragon Temple had he begun to take him seriously enough.
Hong Beimo had someone escort Hu Xiaotian to the Starwatch Platform. Upon reaching the highest point in the Heavenly Secrets Bureau, Hu Xiaotian saw Hong Beimo personally brewing tea in the Stargazing Pavilion. Judging by appearances alone, this lean-faced middle-aged man carried not the slightest air of dominance. Instead, he possessed the graceful bearing of a gentleman, warm and lustrous as jade.
Hong Beimo smiled. "Please sit, Commander Hu."
Hu Xiaotian smiled and set down the two boxes of tea in his hands. "A small gift for my first visit. Hardly enough to express my respect."
"You're far too courteous, Commander Hu," Hong Beimo said with a faint smile.
He poured the freshly brewed tea into blue-and-white porcelain cups. Its clear golden hue delighted the eye, and a delicate fragrance quietly spread through the Stargazing Pavilion, refreshing the senses.
Hong Beimo offered one cup to Hu Xiaotian with both hands. Given his present standing