Chapter Fifty: Freewind Town

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Along the way, the group was focused on their journey, leaving little opportunity for conversation. This time, Li Sibai did not lag behind; he kept up closely. Although his cultivation was not on par with the other four, after this period of diligent practice, his physical condition was by no means inferior—if anything, he was in even better shape than the others.

The straight-line distance from Jade Void Peak to Jade Pearl Peak was not far, but the mountain paths were winding, and none of them had yet reached the realm where they could fly on swords, making the trek rather strenuous.

Among them, He Tianshu and Gong Degang had reached the fourth level of the Heart of the Zither realm, while Yao Xueqing and Ye Chunjiao were at the third level.

Their journey was relatively smooth. They walked and rested intermittently, and by midday, they had arrived at the foot of Jade Void Peak. Before them lay a bustling little town called Carefree Town.

This place had originally been a small village, lively enough in its own right. Due to its proximity to the mountain's base, many of the daily purchases for the Xuantian Sword Sect were made here. Over time, more and more merchants gathered, markets formed, and the population grew, gradually developing into a lively little town.

As the five of them entered Carefree Town, they immediately became the center of attention. The group wore the inner sect robes of the Xuantian Sword Sect, which most of the townsfolk easily recognized. The people here revered the Sword Sect, knowing that it was thanks to their protection that they could live and prosper in peace. Furthermore, these five—handsome young men and beautiful young women, all in the bloom of youth—were a sight that drew many admiring glances.

Naturally, Yao Xueqing and Ye Chunjiao were the focus among them. Though both wore the simple robes of the inner sect, their natural beauty could not be concealed. Their long, jet-black hair flowed to their waists, and their large, expressive eyes seemed almost able to speak. They were long accustomed to attention, and strolled ahead, chatting and laughing as they went.

Li Sibai, however, was extremely uncomfortable. He was not one who enjoyed being in the spotlight. Even though he was not the most conspicuous among the group, he still felt uneasy being the subject of so many glances. All he wanted was to leave quickly.

He Tianshu frowned as well; he disliked being so conspicuous, knowing it could easily invite unnecessary trouble.

"Why don't we stop at the Drunken Immortal Tavern for a bite to eat?" He Tianshu suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Li Sibai would have preferred not to waste time here, but seeing that everyone else consented, he could only nod as well.

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The Drunken Immortal Tavern was the largest restaurant in Carefree Town, three stories tall. It was mealtime, and the first floor bustled with patrons coming and going. The group entered, immediately drawing curious glances.

The owner seemed to recognize He Tianshu. On seeing them, he nodded and had a waiter lead them straight to the third floor. The VIP hall upstairs was quiet and spacious, with less than ten tables in total. Only three were occupied.

He Tianshu called over the waiter and ordered several dishes—clearly his usual picks, suggesting he was a regular.

Though Li Sibai had grown up in the Xuantian Sword Sect and often came to Carefree Town as an outer disciple to help with purchases, he had never had the chance to dine in such a place.

Passing through the second floor earlier, he had seen the grand and luxurious hall, but the third floor surpassed it: carved dragons and painted phoenixes adorned redwood beams, the antique elegance in stark contrast with the floor below. He did not yet understand that those who attained wealth in the world often sought refinement and taste as well. Some may fondly embrace luxury, but to be thought cultivated, many would feign elegance—a common affectation that nonetheless broadened Li Sibai’s horizons.

The five of them sat at a round table by the window. Glancing around at the décor, Li Sibai turned to He Tianshu. "Senior Brother He, the prices here must be quite high, right?"

He Tianshu smiled slightly. "This is the finest tavern in Carefree Town. It’s not exactly cheap, but our Xuantian Sword Sect is well respected here. The owner is eager for our patronage and always gives us a discount."

Li Sibai’s face was one of surprise, which made the others laugh. As inner sect disciples, their benefits far surpassed those of the outer sect. They often had opportunities to come down the mountain for missions and would stop here to rest.

Li Sibai had not yet formally taken a master, so he was only half an inner disciple and had not yet experienced these privileges.

Soon, the waiter brought up several dishes—mostly wild game and mountain delicacies.

Li Sibai, having grown up with Uncle Cai Da, might not have been much of a cook himself, but he had a discerning palate and considered himself something of a gourmet.

He sampled each dish, nodding in appreciation. "The chef here is truly skilled," he praised, thinking all the while of Caiyao.

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Because this outing was a group mission, it had been inconvenient to bring Caiyao along, so he had left her behind. At first, she was unwilling, but for reasons unknown, she eventually agreed. Li Sibai was a bit surprised, but thought little of it. The night before, he had seen her fly off toward the Dark Forest, likely to visit her old friend, the ancient tree spirit.

Now, savoring these delicious meats, Li Sibai couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if Caiyao were here to enjoy them with him.

The others watched him eat with such relish and laughed amongst themselves. They were used to going out together, and seeing Li Sibai eat so heartily made them all the more eager to dig in.

At that moment, the waiter brought a plate of steamed fish. The fish was slender, with a rounded front and a narrow tail, its golden body gleaming. Most enticing of all was its white, tender flesh and the mouthwatering aroma that instantly whetted their appetites.

Li Sibai found the fish familiar and couldn't help but ask the waiter, "Brother, what's this fish called? Is it a local specialty?"

The waiter chuckled. "You have a keen eye, sir. This 'Steamed Golden Chalice' is our signature dish. The flesh is firm and glossy, sweet and tender—it's not something you'll find elsewhere."

Li Sibai swallowed, quickly picking up his chopsticks to taste it. His face took on a look of rapture. "Just as you said. But I remember that our Kunlun Mountains' specialty is rainbow trout. How did it become golden chalice here?"

Before the waiter could respond, a woman's voice came from the next table. "The rainbow trout is originally a northern species. It was later introduced to the Kunlun Mountains, where some of them mutated, turning completely golden and earning the name 'golden chalice.' These are exceedingly rare—such a culinary delight is truly hard to come by!"