12dz Chapter 63 Luxurious Banquet
Chapter 63 Luxurious Banquet
Three days later.
Yang Changsheng pushed open the door to the quiet room, and the protective light screen in the courtyard rippled like water.
He turned around and carefully closed the heavy courtyard gate, took out the bronze array plate, poured a wisp of magic power into it, and activated the array.
Then, he ran his finger across the wooden plaque beside the door, which was engraved with simple array patterns.
The wooden sign shimmered, and the words "quiet retreat" disappeared, transforming into a clear "going out".
Stepping out of the courtyard gate and into the alley, the air is filled with the mist from the lake and the distant noise of people, bringing with it the vibrant atmosphere of the mortal world.
The port's commercial district has wide roads paved with a kind of lapis lazuli that exudes a subtle spiritual aura; they feel hard and slightly cool to the touch.
The closer you get to that core area, the higher the concentration of spiritual energy becomes.
The air seemed to have been cleansed by an invisible force, becoming clearer and purer, and each breath carried a slight, refreshing sensation.
The spiritual vein at the core of the market was originally at the second tier, and with the help of the giant spirit-gathering array covering the entire area operating day and night, its rich and pure spiritual energy was no less than the core area that the Lu family of Biyue Lake was proud of.
The area is teeming with people, shoulder to shoulder, and every inch of land is incredibly valuable—truly living up to its name.
Looking around, mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators are the majority, but there are also quite a few late-stage cultivators.
Many of them were dressed in fine clothes, and their robes shimmered with spiritual light, clearly indicating that they were no ordinary people.
Amidst laughter and conversation, various auras intertwined, forming an invisible net that enveloped this center of wealth and power.
The Lu family was able to rise rapidly and flourish for over 600 years because of its vigorous development of port markets.
Yang Changsheng's simple blue clothes were inconspicuous in the crowd. He concealed his aura, walked steadily, and only occasionally glanced at the prosperous scene, his heart undisturbed.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, the seven-story, ornately decorated Drunken Immortal Pavilion came into view.
The three gilded characters of "Drunken Immortal Pavilion" on the rooftop shone brightly under the light gathered by the spirit-gathering array. Inside the pavilion, the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments mingled with the enticing aroma of high-grade spiritual food and wine.
Yang Changsheng paused briefly in front of the building. This was the first time he had the leisure to carefully examine this renowned restaurant since he had left his identity as a fisherman and farmer and truly established himself in the market.
The auspicious beasts carved on the eaves are lifelike under the light, and the glazed tiles reflect a warm luster, giving the whole building an air of luxury and ethereal charm.
He composed himself and stepped inside.
Immediately, a blue-robed attendant at the early stage of Qi Refining greeted them with a smile, his attitude respectful yet scrutinizing.
"Sir, would you prefer a private room or the main hall?"
"I need a private room by the lake, the highest standard, and it needs to be quiet," Yang Changsheng said calmly.
"The elegant lakeside room, Flowing Cloud Pavilion, is still available. It boasts a superb view and excellent security, but the cost..." the waiter explained with a smile.
"It's fine, this is it."
Yang Changsheng interrupted, swiping his finger across the storage bag, and handed ten sharp-edged, spirit-filled low-grade spirit stones to the attendant.
This was unprecedented luxury, but he remained calm and showed no hesitation.
Since it was both a way to repay a debt and to thank Liu Xiaoying for her timely help, the occasion couldn't be too shabby.
A flicker of surprise crossed the waiter's eyes. He quickly took the spirit stone and became even more respectful: "Sir, you are so kind! Please follow me to the third floor."
The lakeside of Liuyun Pavilion features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering views of the vast expanse of blue water and misty atmosphere, where the spiritual energy seems even stronger than outside.
The interior furnishings are elegant, with soft and comfortable spirit beast fur carpets, spirit wood tables and chairs that exude a faint fragrance, and the spiritual light of small spirit gathering arrays and soundproofing arrays in the corners is faintly visible.
After taking his seat, Yang Changsheng spoke again: "Bring on a banquet of emerald waves, and also a pot of Cold Pool Fragrance."
The waiter's smile widened: "Sir, you have a good eye! The Azure Wave Banquet is our restaurant's signature dish, made with the finest ingredients from Azure Lake. The Cold Pool Fragrance is a secret brew made with second-grade Cold Pool water and various spiritual fruits. Each pot costs two spirit stones, for a total of twelve spirit stones."
He specifically emphasized the price.
"Mm." Yang Changsheng nodded.
He lost quite a few more spirit stones, his face remaining calm, but his mind was racing with calculations.
After paying off the debt of more than 300 spirit stones, he only had 80 spirit stones left.
In this chaotic market situation fraught with danger, these spirit stones must be carefully managed.
Therefore, this meal can be considered the most extravagant expense he has in his nearly seven years of cultivating immortality.
The waiter withdrew, and soon, a stream of delicacies was served.
Crystal shrimp sashimi, translucent and radiating spiritual energy, with flesh as tender as snow; steamed baby arowana garnished with emerald green spiritual vegetables; a fragrant and rich soup of rare and precious ingredients simmered with spiritual rice and fungi; and several dishes of seasonal spiritual vegetables brimming with spiritual energy...
Finally, an ice-jade wine jug exuding a crisp, cool air and fruity aroma was carefully served.
Seven or eight delicious dishes and wines, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, instantly elevated the atmosphere of the private room to luxury.
The aroma is rich and enticing.
Yang Changsheng sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the doorway, waiting patiently.
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the door to the private room was gently knocked on and then slid open silently.
A graceful and ethereal figure moved gracefully into the room.
She wore a light blue gauze dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, outlining the girl's delicate curves.
Her jet-black hair was loosely tied up with only a few strands by a lustrous jade hairpin, while the rest of her smooth, white hair cascaded down her shoulders, swaying slightly as she moved.
Her long eyelashes were like butterfly wings, each tremor carrying a spiritual charm. Her eyes were even more captivating, shimmering with light, misty like a deep pool shrouded in a thin fog, as if imbued with the spirit of poetry and painting.
Her bright red lips were slightly pursed, which made her neck appear as long and elegant as a white swan's. Her skin was as smooth as jade, and her curves were exquisite. Adding or subtracting any part of her would make her look too plump or too thin.
Her exquisite features combined to create a stunningly beautiful face that could outshine all other flowers.
"Xiaoying".
Yang Changsheng looked up, and even with his two lifetimes and unwavering Dao heart, he couldn't help but feel a slight pause in his mind, a faint sense of disorientation creeping in.
The girl before me possessed an even more captivating, ethereal beauty than when we last met.
"Brother Changsheng, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Liu Xiaoying parted her red lips slightly, her voice like a clear spring, carrying a hint of apology.
She moved with the lightness of a butterfly and gracefully sat down opposite Yang Changsheng.
The girl's magical power fluctuated smoothly and subtly, yet her aura hinted at perfection, clearly indicating that she had reached the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining, only one step away from the threshold of the later stage of Qi Refining.
"I just arrived too. How about we try the divine cuisine at Zuixianlou first?"
Yang Changsheng composed himself, revealing a gentle smile that masked the amazement in his eyes. As he spoke, he tapped the miniature communication array on the table with his finger, and a faint light flashed.
The waiter enters, uses special techniques to enhance the aroma of the dishes, bringing them to their perfect state, and then leaves.
Seeing the sumptuous Jade Wave Feast on the table and the iconic Cold Pool Fragrance pot, a clear hint of surprise flashed across Liu Xiaoying's beautiful, misty eyes.
"Brother Changsheng...why are you spending so much today? Have you encountered some rare opportunity?"
Her long eyelashes fluttered as her gaze shifted from the delicacies to Yang Changsheng, filled with undisguised curiosity and inquiry.
In my memory, Yang Changsheng was always diligent in his cultivation and lived a simple, almost austere life. Such a luxurious banquet was completely out of character for him.
The cost of this meal is probably equivalent to his savings accumulated over the past few years.
Yang Changsheng picked up the pot of Cold Pool Fragrance, which was filled with chilling air, and poured a cup for Liu Xiaoying and himself.
The clear, luminous wine is poured into a white jade cup, its refreshing aroma mingling with the scent of fruit.