"Rarer visitors, rarer visitors... come and sit down."
Deep within the Imperial City, in a small pavilion backed by Carp Pond, a chessboard lay spread out. An elder draped in a felt cloak sat sideways by the pavilion window, one hand playing chess pieces, the other gently scattering fish bait.
"Swish!"
Thousands of shimmering scales rippled out, bringing Carp Pond to life as countless young fish leapt from the water, creating bursts of splashing sounds.
"Mr. Yan, Qi Lie visits by the order of his Master."
Qi Lie stood before the pavilion, respectfully bowing.
Commissioned to leave Da Sui Sword Palace, he had come to the Imperial City to visit his Master's old friend... This friend was none other than Yan Xin, the current State Preceptor of Great Chu.
"How has the Law Enforcer been lately?"
Yan Xin leaned against the window railing, watching the glittering gold from the carp pond, his face full of spring warmth, voice gentle.