The morning sun scattered its rays onto every surging wave, layer upon layer like golden fish scales.
Liang Qu awoke from his boat, rolled up the bedding inside, and leaned over the side to wash up.
A night's sleep had swept away his fatigue from the day before, leaving him feeling fully energized.
The river breeze was gentle.
Liang Qu set up a charcoal stove on the wooden table and placed an iron kettle on it. The charcoal licked the bottom of the kettle, heating it until it glowed red-hot.
His qi and blood followed the route of "Invincible Embrace Yuan" for a complete cycle. Meanwhile, the water in the kettle gurgled as it boiled.
He sprinkled a handful of tea leaves into a teacup, then Liang Qu poured hot water from the iron kettle.
The tea leaves churned in the boiling water, stirring up a waft of tea-scented white mist.
"Life," he mused.
Liang Qu leaned against the railing, squinting to enjoy the morning light as strands of hair fluttered at his temple.
