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?"0

"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.0

The Li Family hadn't expected any major returns from this outpost in the Eastern Sea, simply wanting a foothold...0