Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 594: Dinner by the Fireplace

Gao Ziyue noticed the small change in his expression, the light in his eyes, the way his lips curved slightly, and had to hold back a laugh. Their fingers were still intertwined, a connection that both seemed to have forgotten.

Their fingers remained naturally intertwined, although neither of them had stopped to think about it. It was simply... natural, as if their hands had always been destined to find each other.

For a brief moment, Gao Ziyue looked at her own hands, at the way her fingers fit perfectly between his. Then she looked at Kyrian, her eyes tracing his face with a newfound awareness. Then she quickly looked away, the tips of her ears turning slightly red.

She pretended not to notice. Kyrian did not comment either.

The hall was relatively small, but every inch seemed to have been carefully designed to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The ceiling was slightly lower than those of the luxurious buildings in the center of the Caravan, and this made the space feel more intimate, more inviting.

Thick beams of dark wood crossed the ceiling, their surfaces polished by time and use, while the walls were made of carefully fitted light-colored stones, creating a pattern that was both rustic and harmonious.

The tables were sturdy, made of aged wood polished by the constant use of generations of customers. Every scratch, every stain, every mark told a story. There were no tables covered with expensive fabrics or unnecessary decorations. There were no utensils made of rare spiritual metals. There were no paintings by ancient masters on the walls. Everything was simple.

But nothing seemed neglected. Every object was clean, every table was organized, and every chair was comfortable. The spiritual lanterns scattered across the ceiling provided warm and soft illumination, their golden light creating an atmosphere that seemed to embrace everyone present.

And, above all, there was life. Low conversations filled the environment like background music, some lively, others contemplative.

Some customers laughed as they told stories, their voices occasionally rising in bursts of joy.

Others ate in silence, savoring every bite. A group of young people excitedly discussed the results of that night’s auction, their expressive gestures accompanying every word.

Near the fireplace, two men played some kind of spiritual board game while arguing over who had cheated, their voices filled with feigned amusement.

Kyrian observed everything, his violet eyes moving over every detail with an attention that the drunkenness made slower but also more appreciative. It was different, very different from the places he had frequented recently.

He was accustomed to sects, spiritual markets, battlefields where life and death balanced on a knife’s edge, and cities where everyone seemed to be constantly assessing the power and value of those around them.

Here, however, no one seemed to care about hierarchies or status. No one examined others in search of signs of weakness or opportunity.

A man entered carrying a basket of vegetables, his hurried steps taking him toward the kitchen. A woman came out carrying a tray of steaming dishes, her face marked by the satisfaction of a job well done. A child ran between two tables before someone reprimanded them, their laughter echoing throughout the hall.

It was simply a tavern. An ordinary tavern. And, somehow, that made the place seem special.

Before Kyrian could observe any more details, quick footsteps approached, the sound of shoes against the wooden floor announcing the arrival of someone who seemed to always be on the move.

A young waitress appeared from behind the counter, her movements filled with contagious energy. She had brown hair tied in a simple ponytail, with a few strands escaping around her face, framing her features with a carefree touch.

She wore clean work clothes, though without any luxury, a simple blouse and a skirt that allowed freedom of movement. She carried a small folded cloth over one shoulder, ready for any eventuality.

Upon recognizing Gao Ziyue, her eyes lit up like lanterns being lit.

"Ah!" The young woman broke into a huge smile, so genuine that it seemed to illuminate the entire hall.

Gao Ziyue also smiled immediately, a smile different from the one she wore in formal environments. More relaxed, more spontaneous, more personal.

"Good evening, Lili."

The waitress quickly approached, her steps filled with an energy that seemed contagious.

"It’s been so long since you’ve come around here!"

"I know." Gao Ziyue let out a small laugh, a sound carrying a touch of guilt.

"I’ve been busy these past few months, so I haven’t been able to come by as much as I’d like."

"Busy?" Lili placed her hands on her hips, striking a pose of feigned indignation.

"You always say that. Every time you come, you say you were busy. I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me."

Gao Ziyue laughed, the sound louder now, freer.

"Because it’s true. But I’m not avoiding you, Lili. You’re one of the few people I actually like seeing."

Then, as if she were standing before a child she had known for many years, she raised her hand and gently patted the young woman’s head twice. The gesture was affectionate, and natural, as if it were an old habit.

"You really have grown, haven’t you?"

Lili froze in place, her eyes widening. Her smile disappeared, replaced by an expression of pure indignation. She raised one hand to her head, touching the spot where Gao Ziyue had touched her, and wrinkled her nose.

"Miss Ziyue..." Her voice carried a warning tone.

"Hmm?"

"Stop treating me like a child."

Gao Ziyue tilted her head, an expression of feigned innocence on her face.

"But you were a child when I first started coming here."

"That was years ago!" Lili crossed her arms, assuming a defensive posture.

"I’m already a full-grown adult. I work, I have responsibilities. I’m no longer that girl who used to run around the tavern."

Gao Ziyue could not hold herself back. A low and relaxed laugh escaped her lips, a sound that was pure affection.