A few days later, Heavenly Jade Pavilion…
In the middle of an extravagantly furnished room, a statuesque, middle-aged man sat at a cedarwood table carved with mythic beasts of all kinds. He sipped his tea with a satisfied smile, savoring the heat and fragrance on his face as he closed his eyes in meditation.
A knock at the doorway shook him out of his quiet break, however, and he beckoned the old man waiting outside to come in, setting down his teacup.
Entering with a deep bow, the old man quickly gave his report.
"Master Liu Chao, it seems that the boy you invited earlier is getting close to the city. He should be arriving sometime around nightfall."
"Good. Prepare someone to welcome him when he gets here, as well as a banquet for tonight."
"Yes, sir…!"
