The mists circulated around the Fire Peach Tree, manifesting the dwarvish figure of Tao Qingshan.

He said suspiciously, “Are you the Sea-Swallowing King’s disciple?”

“Here is my master’s command token.” The young Daoist smiled and took out a jade medallion and waved it in the air. It was engraved with clouds that condensed into the character “Ge.”

Tao Qingshan instantly grew reverent. “Please forgive me for not going out to welcome you personally.”

Ge Qian put away the medallion. “According to my master’s estimates, there ought to be ripe Fire Peaches on the tree right about now. I’ll have to trouble you to fetch them for me.

Tao Qingshan went rigid, then said hesitantly, “I won’t lie to you, Young Lord. You’re one step too late. Just two days ago, there were indeed three ripe Fire Peaches, but someone already came and took them away.”

Ge Qian frowned. “Who took them?”

Tao Qingshan hurriedly pointed at the stone stele. “Young Lord, please look.”

Ge Qian looked over and saw a new line of casually elegant text: “On the fourth day of the second month of the Great Zhou’s calendar, Su Yi took three Fire Peaches and left.”

Ge Qian’s brow furrowed even deeper. “Who is this ‘Su Yi’?”

Tao Qingshan’s heart quivered. “Young Lord, Su...