Beware Of Chicken v7c55: Bar Hopping

A pleasant duration was spent conversing with Ning and her parents; the discourse flowed easily, touching upon the shop’s progress and the changes that had transpired. Their sentiments echoed those of many non-cultivators in the vicinity; they relished the transformations, though a lingering apprehension about their permanence persisted. Nevertheless, a general air of contentment permeated the moment. Ning, meanwhile, was thoroughly occupied by Washy and Babe, who effortlessly captivated the young child’s focus.

Consequently, her mother’s complaints regarding Ning’s extracurricular pursuits went largely unnoticed. It transpired that Ning was being mentored in the art of carpentry by a disciple of the Framed Sun Sect, a young woman named Ai.

Eventually, the demands of our own tasks beckoned, and we prepared to depart. However, our exit was momentarily halted by Chaoxiang.

“Master Rou?”

“Yes?” I inquired.

“We are most grateful for the repair of our establishment,” Chaoxiang expressed, offering a deep bow.

“It was a situation that should never have occurred. It was only proper that I rectify the consequences of my actions,” I responded.

“Regardless, thank you. For… all of this.”

His words carried a weight that extended beyond the mere restoration of his shop.

I acknowledged his gratitude with a raised hand and a farewell wave before we re-entered the bustling town. Meimei’s countenance was alight with a broad smile.

This time, our exploration of the town was unhindered. We meandered from one establishment to another, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. Recommendations from Tigu led us to various locales, including the Spiritual Herb shop previously visited by Ri Zu. Mei’s reaction upon witnessing the prices there was utterly priceless. While affording them was not an issue, the ingrained simplicity of the country girl within Meimei’s soul caused her to huff in exasperation at the sheer number of digits involved.

As dusk began to settle, we found ourselves seated on a bench along a quiet side street. Meimei gently bounced Zhuye on her knee, and we observed the passage of time in comfortable silence.

“Ah, this is truly much more agreeable,” Meimei declared as we resumed our perambulation through the town. The absence of curious stares was palpable, and Meimei’s sentiment was entirely accurate; it felt pleasantly unremarkable.

“Far preferable to being objects of public scrutiny,” I concurred.

Washy commented after a brief pause.

“It is indeed regrettable, but this locale is perhaps not yet prepared for our full resplendence. Their tendency to be flustered is understandable, yet it does render interactions somewhat less stimulating,” Washy observed from his containment jar. “Ning, however, was a delightful exception.”

“That is a fair assessment. Yet, I appreciate you accompanying us today. It was a pleasure to share this time,” I conveyed to the aquatic and terrestrial beings. Both offered amiable smiles.

“I suppose we shall return to the mountain then…” Meimei murmured, though I detected a wistful desire within her to continue our exploration.

“Let us head back to the mountain until dinner, and then we shall venture out once more. Yun Ren mentioned some taverns worth visiting in this area – let’s investigate his recommendations. We can procure some provisions afterward,” I proposed.

This suggestion met with unanimous approval.

Dinner, while less formal than our previous meal, retained a degree of public significance, with numerous Sect Elders present. Xinling was, naturally, in attendance, her melodic strains filling the hall.

The occasion largely consisted of another Q&A session, this time focusing on the mountain’s origins and our discovery of it. We made a point of commending Xiulan’s gracious hospitality and acknowledging the ongoing restoration efforts.

“It was disheartening to witness this mountain in such a state of disrepair during my prior visit, but to see it so thoroughly mended alleviates that feeling entirely. The diligence of the younger generation is truly commendable, a most inspiring sight. I eagerly anticipate its complete restoration,” I announced to the assembled cultivators.

The Sect Elders swelled with pride at the commendation, their self-satisfaction further amplified when I remarked upon the intriguing nature of their alliance’s combat-oriented disciplines.

“Their synchronized training and the exchange of insights among peers are vital catalysts for collective growth. The Honoured Founders of the Cloudy Sword Sect recognized Martial Discourse as a paramount virtue; in revitalizing your ancestral styles, such a crucible is essential to refine out any nascent impurities or inefficiencies before they become deeply ingrained,” Meimei articulated, demonstrating her diligent study of the scrolls provided by Lu Ri. While she had remained largely reserved, this brief discourse left everyone in stunned silence, subsequent to which, nods of agreement began to ripple through the assembly.

The sects of the Azure Hills appeared exceedingly pleased with themselves, to say the least. Following this, a brief period of further casual conversation ensued, a repetition of the previous evening’s entreaties for me to visit their respective sects. Fortunately, this round of invitations was considerably more concise.

And then, for the remainder of the evening, we were at liberty.

Most of the others remained within the mountain’s confines, fatigued from a demanding day’s labor. Tigu, in particular, expressed a strong desire for prolonged cuddling with Zhuye. Our reunion was scheduled for the morrow; plans included tea with Xiulan’s father and attendance at a modest tournament—this time a cultivation-focused event, rather than one involving hockey.

Thus, we shed our formal attire once more, drew in our Qi, and Meimei and I ventured back into the town, following the path our friends had taken during the tournament.

It was only after we had left the mountain that the realization dawned—this was indeed a date. Exploring the various establishments had been quite enjoyable. Even at this late hour, the town pulsed with life; cultivators finishing their day's tasks, manor staff, and a multitude of merchants all contributed to the vibrant energy along the main thoroughfare.

“Boss,” I called out, making a distinct hand gesture. The man behind the counter immediately gave a slight nod and reached under it. “And that,” I added, “is how a city dweller orders their spirits.”

“So incredibly impressive! My man is clearly a big shot from the city,” Meimei chimed in with mock adoration. A grin spread across my face as I looked at her.

“Honestly, I'm more surprised it actually worked. That specific ordering style is from the Crucible—I half expected him to just look at me like I was some kind of simpleton,” I admitted. Two cups clinked onto the table… containing what I had indeed ordered with that gesture. “...Ah, well, that means it's the house special here, not the peach wine.”

Her exaggerated performance dissolved into soft giggles, and as we both took a sip, a more genuine smile graced her features.

“There’s so much of the world I’m still unaware of. It’s fascinating to observe the subtle gestures and unique mannerisms that set people apart—not just in distant locales like the Titan Tree Domain or the Silver Pine Loch—but even in places close to home, like here, they are still so distinct!” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. Her eagerness to learn was always so endearing! “And that gesture, did you pick that up from your parents?”

Meimei was privy to both facets of my existence: the one originating from this realm, and the one from the other. Jin Rou had been raised by tavern keepers… but it wasn't from them that I'd acquired that particular signal.

“Nope, the shady establishments near the brothels,” I responded with a wry smile. Meimei appeared both delighted and slightly scandalized, before her expression shifted as she recalled the nature of my past engagement with such places… and how young I had been when frequenting them.

Nevertheless, she maintained her smile, seemingly pushing the thought aside, and her gaze became thoughtful.

“You know, I've heard you mention ‘seedy bars,’ but I don't think I've ever actually encountered one. What differentiates a seedy bar from a more conventional one?” Meimei inquired. It was rather amusing, considering the drinking establishments in Verdant Hill were both exceptionally pleasant and remarkably clean.

“It varies. The ones deep within the Crucible were often havens for thieves and murderers, or were controlled by gangs. In a town like this? It’s likely just off the main street, and the alcohol they serve is questionable at best,” I explained. “Why, are you curious to see one?”

“You know what, I think I would like that,” she stated after a brief pause.

“Naturally, my lady, I shall personally escort you to a wretched hive of scum and villainy, if that is your wish,” I replied, rolling my eyes good-naturedly.

Meimei found my sarcastic compliance immensely amusing.

And so, our quest for a seedy bar commenced. Relying on my recollections of the Crucible, we located a suitable establishment with relative speed.

It certainly fit the description of a seedy bar. Mei cautiously sniffed the air—a few cultivators were present inside… but none that seemed like trouble for us.

However, just as I reached for the door to enter, a loud voice pierced the air.

“Ha! I'll earn even more merit, and then I can finally claim Cai Xiulan's hand!” a man bellowed.

“Come on, everyone knows she’s Master Rou’s woman—why else do you think people pay her any mind?” another voice retorted, laced with disdain.

“She vanishes to his residence for months at a time, only to return so powerful? She's definitely ‘dual cultivating,’” a female voice added with a sneer. “If I had been blessed with a body like that, I could achieve the same—it’s the only valuable asset she possesses.”

A frown settled on both our faces. Mei’s violet eyes flashed, and her hand moved towards the door handle.

“Perhaps not this particular establishment,” I interjected, preempting any potential escalation, and gently pulled Mei away.

We retreated to a deserted side street, where Meimei fixed me with a glare… until she observed the rigid clenching of my jaw.

She let out a huff and leaned against the wall. “...It’s probably for the best we didn’t go inside,” she murmured, idly kicking at a loose stone on the ground.

I drew a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. It was infuriating to overhear people discussing one's friends in such a demeaning manner—especially when they were speaking of Xiulan. Disparaging her, suggesting her accomplishments were solely due to external favors.

Damn, that ignited a fierce anger within me.

“...Am I causing her trouble?” I questioned aloud. I was aware of Xiulan's focus on the Azure Alliance, but… had our association inadvertently created complications for her? Some might perceive it as an advantage, but… would it be necessary for me to issue some sort of clarification to appease public perception?

Meimei placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “It’s likely just idle gossip,” she said, her swift composure surprising me. Typically, her anger simmered for a considerably longer duration. “Just some inebriated fools spouting nonsense.”

“...You are correct,” I conceded after a moment’s thought. “However… I did inform you that such places were indeed dens of scum and villainy.”

“You did,” Meimei confirmed, “And you were quite right. Should we perhaps return to the main street?”

“No, there exists a different category of establishment found on these side streets.”

Namely, the bars frequented by the locals.

Once more, I had a general idea of where to go, and locating it wasn't overly challenging. And again, it turned out that this town harbored at least one cultivator.

Mei suddenly halted, her nose twitching as she inhaled the air curiously.

“Hmm. That smell is quite familiar. There’s a cultivator in there whom I recognize… where have I encountered that scent before…” Mei murmured, her eyes then widening in realization. “Ah, I smelled that in Pale Moon Lake City! It’s that individual who fled from the city!”

I pondered this newfound information. For a fleeting moment, I contemplated whether we should abandon this place as well… but our shared curiosity ultimately won out—and it offered a welcome diversion. Instead of dealing with obnoxious patrons in a bar, we could witness the amusing spectacle of an old man burdened by his enormous pack.

Thus, we entered. The atmosphere was rather tranquil, with conversations held in hushed tones and soft melodies emanating from a woman playing the guzheng.

The establishment was roughly half-occupied, yet one patron immediately drew our attention. He was seated alone, the sole individual by himself. Mei was correct; I recognized him the instant I saw him—and the man did not appear to be in good spirits. He was slumped over his table, his fingers working at his temples.

He released a deep sigh and continued to rub his eyes. He looked aged and utterly weary.

I cast a glance toward Mei.

She returned my gaze.

=================================

Ye Shun finished his drink, letting out another heavy sigh. This entire predicament was rapidly escalating in complexity…

“Ah, pardon me, Grandfather, are you quite well?” a gentle voice inquired.

Ye Shun looked up, momentarily perplexed as to who would dare interrupt his thoughts—only to behold a young man and his companion regarding him with expressions of concern. The sort of concern typically exhibited by the naive. The kind of individuals who would readily offer their cloaks to a stranger, oblivious to the fact they were being deceived.

They had procured a round of drinks and some dumplings, clearly with the intention of sharing. And although he might now possess wealth, unsolicited provisions were still a welcome offering.

He lifted his gaze once more to the young couple.

What in the blazes. Simpletons, it seemed, could occasionally possess genuine insight.