Beware Of Chicken Chapter 293 v7c40: The Jolly Fatty

Ming Mao, the esteemed owner of the Jolly Fatty Inn, relaxed just outside his establishment. His legs were propped up comfortably, his pipe smoldering gently, as he idly combed through the soft fur of Magistrate Fluffy. The elderly tomcat rested and rumbled with purrs in a majestic fashion; his silvery-gray coat remained fluffy, though it had begun to grow sparse. In his advanced years, he no longer hunted mice, yet his decades of devoted service earned him special allowances, with his offspring and descendants now carrying out his old responsibilities. This allowed the noble Magistrate to attend to far grander matters—like offering cozy comfort to people's thighs.

The midday meal frenzy had passed, leaving his son to handle any lingering patrons, and the weather was truly splendid. In Ming Mao's view, he was enjoying a richly earned moment of respite.

Since the cultivators began lingering around the Dueling Peaks for reasons that remained mysteriously unclear, his inn had attracted a notable influx of those seeking immortality.

This trend kicked off prior to the cold season; a graceful and aristocratic young woman arrived accompanied by a full entourage of cultivators, proclaiming she had visited before and praising his family's renowned roast duck.

Ming Mao held no prior recollection of the lady, yet Lady Yin evidently knew his venue and its famed roast duck intimately. She expressed astonishment at his potatoes fried in duck fat, however, which puzzled him. Possessing a sharp recall for patrons' identities and appearances was essential in his profession. The sole silver-haired entity named Yin in his memory had been a rabbit.

The notion of an animal transforming into a breathtaking beauty seemed absurd—but Ming Mao went with it regardless. She compensated generously, as did her companions, and while she wasn't exactly courteous like typical cultivators—her speech rough as a brigand's—both she and her group caused remarkably minimal disruption. On the single occasion of a minor mishap, Lady Yin compelled the offending cultivator to mend the splintered floorboards, refusing to accept the work until Ming Mao could discern no distinction between the fixes and his authentic flooring.

The innkeeper found himself favorably impressed by the young woman and eagerly anticipated future visits from her and the 'Blazing Swords'.

Not only them—solitary cultivators or pairs trickled in, requesting his celebrated roast duck. Though it brought tension, much like Lady Yin's crew, they remained unobtrusive and failed to alarm his steady clientele.

A deep yawn of satisfaction escaped him as he reclined further in his seat, until faint whispers drifted from the primary thoroughfare. The tones carried admiration rather than fear or ire, prompting Mao to investigate, cradling Lord Magistrate Fluffy along. His Highness voiced strong disapproval at the disturbance, muttering and snarling, yet the indolent senior yielded without resistance, content to be carried passively.

Mao swiftly spotted the source of the town's fascination—it had halted directly before his inn. This was the most exquisite carriage the innkeeper had ever laid eyes on. Crafted from rich, warmly hued dark timber, it was an immense vehicle drawn by a Northern Azure Ox; these mighty creatures were famed for their power, but one beast alone hauling such a colossal load hinted at extraordinary vigor surpassing the norm. Oddly, bees buzzed around it in swarms, yet the industrious insects displayed no aggression and appeared utterly serene.

Adorning the carriage was an emblem. One that every trader frequenting his inn had swiftly come to identify; a mark declaring the contents as premium caliber, fetching top-tier costs. The rice and foliage transported solely by the Azure Jade Trading Company, in convoys under heavy protection.

Thanks to his boosted earnings from the cultivators, Ming Mao had once indulged in a modest flask of maple syrup. It demanded a hefty sum and, while exquisitely tasty, left him somewhat underwhelmed relative to the expense.

That changed when he offered a taste to two cultivators, who effusively acclaimed it, purchased his remaining supply, and far exceeded his initial outlay.

The carriage door swung open then, revealing a parade of elegant women, all clad in luxurious attire; alongside a distinguished elder gentleman who exuded command as if it were his robe. Evidently, he held a position like a commander or official.

With the door shutting once more, Ming Mao recognized a familiar figure.

It was that cultivator! The one bearing the Azure Jade Trading Company's token! Previously, the fellow had appeared disheveled like a wanderer, but now he sported elegant garb and radiated supreme confidence.

'Master Rou?' Ming Mao hailed.

The individual halted, visibly startled to be hailed by name, before a broad grin lit his features. Clutching a vessel under one arm, he approached to unyoke the ox… whose gaze held far too much shrewdness. A fish briefly surfaced from the jar's rim, seemingly surveying the surroundings with… eager curiosity? Indeed, more Spirit Beasts.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

'Your recall is impressive, sir!' the cultivator responded, warmth lacing his tone. 'Yet I'm at a loss! I don't recall catching your name during my prior visit!'

'Ming Mao, Esteemed Guest!' Mao answered promptly, his gaze drifting to the ox... once more, who eyed his inn curiously. 'Oh, but Esteemed Guest, I fear one of your companions may not pass through our entrance. I… could prepare an outdoor table for him, should it suit?'

Once again, the cultivator appeared delightfully taken aback.

'The weather's lovely. If it's no imposition, we'll all savor the outdoors,' Rou Jin stated, producing his jade token. This occasion, Mao skipped verification; he trusted its authenticity. 'We'll take some of your ducks, plus various veggies… on second thought, serve a selection of all your dishes, please, but take your time. I understand the challenge of catering to our size on brief notice.'

Ming Mao inclined his head respectfully. Evidently, his leisure had concluded. He carefully placed Magistrate Fluffy down, who snorted indignantly at the intruders disturbing his nap and voiced his solemn discontent with a mao—but this ceased as Master Rou bent to offer the senior feline due reverence.

Mao hurried inside his inn to notify the cooks. Some sighs met the abrupt command, yet his offspring and staff sprang into action diligently, particularly upon learning their distinguished guests.

Soon Mao emerged anew, shifting furniture and engaging with patrons. Magistrate Fluffy had relocated to Master Rou's knee and slumbered contentedly.

Master Rou, unburdened now by whatever preoccupied him that evening two years past, proved a keenly perceptive individual well-versed in Ming Mao's craft. He marveled at ever deeming the innkeeper simple upon their initial encounter!

A cultivator's deep knowledge of hospitality seemed incongruous, but he evidently grasped the business and its trials intimately. They bonded over the plague of intoxicated and rowdy guests. Master Rou's companions were similarly courteous and articulate, fostering an ideal ambiance.

Presently, dishes began arriving. The fish within the stunningly ornate jar tasted from each offering, flapping its fins against the container and… vocalizing.

Only his commitment to exemplary service for the cultivator sustained him upright.

That, plus the fish's lavish commendations. 'Splendid! The duck's glaze strikes perfect balance! Not overly saccharine, merely sufficient to enhance the meat's essence—and the potatoes! Fried in duck fat?! Genius!'

The ox was presented a vast bowl of cabbage and fresh greens, supplemented by foliage from the inn's orchards. It suited his taste admirably.

The bees were given… honey, naturally. Master Rou had specifically requested it for them.

The party's remaining duo consisted of an infant and his mother, a charming green-haired lady revealed as Master Rou's spouse. She expressed deep thanks that Ming Mao's daughter had minced her child's portion finely, requiring no further preparation.

Master Rou shared her satisfaction.

Conversation wandered freely thereafter, as Master Rou urged its continuation. Naturally, he sought the freshest rumors, which Mao supplied willingly—chiefly concerning the evolving cultivator behaviors. They patrolled with greater frequency, eradicated bandits, and displayed… curiously overt and engaged presence.

'Certain folks fret, naturally. They suspect it heralds an impending cultivator conflict, but I remain hopeful. The paths are safer than ever; And… well, they've grown kinder. Many were decently bountiful before, but now… they truly see us, not past us.'

Master Rou grinned.

'It seems real shifts are afoot,' the robust cultivator remarked. 'Yin appears to be handling matters effectively, as well.'

Ming Mao hesitated. '...your rabbit, or Lady Yin, Master Rou?'

'Oh, she's one and the same.'

…evidently, a rabbit could indeed manifest as a lovely maiden.

The discussion drifted onward; Master Rou shared whispers he'd gathered, alongside market values for select items in Pale Moon Lake City.

He genuinely comprehended the intricacies.

Yet his purpose was merely dining, not lodging overnight.

'Your hospitality was flawless, Master Ming; and you as well, Lord Magistrate,' Master Rou proclaimed, beaming at the aged feline. Magistrate Fluffy mao'd graciously anew, accepting the accolade. The elder pair and his wife chuckled too.

'Your words grace us, Master Rou,' Ming Mao responded.

'Take this surplus inventory I believe you'll find useful—and a token of appreciation for indulging our full-menu order,' Master Rou offered, retrieving assorted pouches and vials. Each bore the rice and leaf imprint.

They contained rice and spirits—the choicest rice Mao had witnessed. The kernels were plump, shimmering under the sunlight.

Mao knew only legends of Gold Grade Rice from Pale Moon Lake City—modest servings accompanying dishes at exorbitant rates.

And here lay whole bundles.

'Master Rou, this exceeds what's proper!' he objected, upholding decorum.

Still, the fellow pressed; thus Ming Mao accepted the bounty with thanks.

He stowed it securely within, under vigilant guard. He completed the requisite paperwork for the Azure Jade Trading Company, per their arrangement.

Afterward, he shuttered the kitchen briefly, allowing his team a merited pause.

Ming Mao then settled at his inn's rear, in his favored seat, puffing his pipe, Magistrate Fluffy nestled on his knee again. His children joined him; his spouse fetched vessels to sample Master Rou's wine.

The wind whispered pleasantly. The brew was exquisite.

It proved an excellent day for innkeeping.

In unison, they observed the grand carriage vanish beyond the skyline, and Ming Mao vaguely pondered the man's endeavors.

Ah, likely some trading pursuit. He favored discretion.

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Chen Yang from the Framed Sun Sect gazed at the overcast heavens as the clouds split, and an elongated, serpentine form descended.

Suddenly, the light drizzle ceased, and a dragon regarded them, its deep eyes assessing and evaluating.

'I convey a message from my Master to the leader of the Framed Sun Sect…' the dragon intoned, its majestic timbre echoing like distant thunder.