After explaining the final detail on how to exert strength, Sun Yong saw Yang Jing's contemplative expression and turned to walk toward his desk.
He moved the teacup aside. The oil lamp on the desk stretched his shadow long.
He pushed aside a pile of scrolls and took out a palm-sized wooden box from the back of a drawer.
The box was made of fine red sandalwood, its surface carved with simple cloud patterns. The edges and corners were worn smooth and lustrous, a clear sign of its age.
He placed the box on the desk and opened it gently. Inside, a lustrous white porcelain vial rested quietly on a bed of dark red velvet.
The vial was about a finger long, its body as smooth and fine as jade, and its mouth sealed with a cork stopper.
Sun Yong pulled out the cork and glanced inside. A faint, bittersweet medicinal aroma wafted through the study.
He stoppered the vial again and turned to hand it to Yang Jing, his voice steady. "These are Qi Storage Pills. Take them and keep them safe."
