Chapter 576: Two Arrows (I)
Li Yuanjiao glanced over the letter, his expression relaxing as a slight smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. Tucking the letter into his robe, he didn't say much, but turned to Zong Yan and asked in a quiet tone, "How have the island's finances been over the past few years?"
"After covering expenses, we have a surplus of only two spirit stones… as for construction, formations, and rewards… those cost even more…" Zong Yan took out the records, looking a bit embarrassed. Located in such a remote area, Zongquan Island had little income in recent years, though the population had grown. If they counted the costs of formations and spirit paddies, the island had actually operated at a loss.
The Li Family hadn't expected any major returns from this outpost in the Eastern Sea, simply wanting a foothold there. Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly and replied, "No matter."
As they were talking, the dark clouds outside the island parted, and a variety of fish and turtles swam through the open space. A creature with a fish's face and bird-like wings descended outside the formation and called out, "Humans below, open the formation at once."
"It is Huiyao," Zong Yan said with some tension.
Li Yuanjiao waved a hand and replied, "Let him in."
With that, he returned to the main hall and took his seat. Before long, Huiyao entered—a creature resembling a black carp. Huiyao had once accepted both bribes and threats from the Li Family to conceal certain offerings.
Now, Huiyao had transformed his form, appearing with a fish face, a human body, and scaled wings beneath his arms. As soon as he entered, he announced, "Li Yuanjiao! So you have finally come out of seclusion! Something big has happened!"
Having read the letter Li Qinghong sent, Li Yuanjiao had a general understanding of the situation. Sipping his tea, he asked, "Oh? Does the Dragon Son of the Zhunan Water Palace have kinship with that fallen demon king?"