Chapter Fifty-One: Drunken Immortal Tavern

Everyone was startled and turned to look. At the large table, five people were seated: an elderly man sat at the head, accompanied by three men dressed in black, and a young woman—the one who had just spoken. She could not have been more than fourteen or fifteen, clad in a gown of light green, her features delicate and lovely, with slender brows, snowy skin, and a pair of bright, lively eyes that immediately drew attention. Even compared to He Xueqing, she was no less striking.

Li Sibai was slightly surprised. This young woman appeared to be about his own age, yet her knowledge and insight were truly impressive, earning his respect. After speaking, the girl’s gaze fell upon He Xueqing at his table, seemingly taken aback by her beauty as well. Women appreciate beauty, and when encountering another beauty, they are always inclined to compare. Even He Xueqing and Ye Chunjiao could not help but glance curiously at the girl in green.

The waiter, hearing the girl’s words, nodded repeatedly. “This young lady is quite right. Legend has it that the rainbow trout was introduced to Kunlun Mountain by a senior of the Xuanyan Sword Sect. This fish lives in streams formed from melted glacier water atop snowy mountains, so its flesh is firmer than ordinary fish. It’s even said that the spiritual energy of these immortal mountains has caused the rainbow trout to mutate. The golden trout, in particular, is purchased at a high price by our inn. Please, enjoy your meal.”

Having said this, the waiter retreated. The disciples of the Xuanyan Sword Sect, though accustomed to eating rainbow trout at their sect, had never heard the rumor that their own predecessor had introduced it to the region. This revelation filled them with a sense of pride and delight.

Meanwhile, the young lady in green no longer looked their way, though her male companions continued to steal glances. After all, the clothing of He Tianshu and his companions was far too conspicuous to go unnoticed, even if they wished to keep a low profile.

After the meal, everyone agreed to rest here for the night. Though Xiaoyao Town was not far from Jade Pearl Peak, there were no particularly comfortable places to rest along the way. No one objected to the plan. While none yet knew the true purpose of their journey, all had heard tales of the dangers of Jade Pearl Peak. The thought of the hardships to come in the mountains made this rare moment of leisure all the more precious.

He Tianshu booked five rooms in the rear courtyard of the Drunken Immortal Inn, one for each person, and instructed everyone to change out of their inner-sect attire to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Yao Xueqing and Ye Chunjiao, having changed clothes, wanted to stroll through the streets and invited Li Sibai to join them. However, he declined, preferring solitude and the chance to cultivate.

Though surrounded by the bustle of the marketplace, Li Sibai dared not relax for even a moment, acutely aware of how little time he had. He politely refused Yao Xueqing’s invitation; she cast him a slightly resentful look as she left, but she understood his situation and did not press him. The two girls departed in good spirits.

Li Sibai changed his clothes, shut the door, and immersed himself in cultivation. The furnishings here far surpassed those of the Xuanyan Sword Sect, but he barely took notice—his mind was elsewhere. With no need to hurry on the road today, he seized this opportunity to train. Though tired from traveling, he sat cross-legged and circulated the Xuanyan inner power through his body, immediately feeling refreshed. Within moments, he entered a meditative state.

When Li Sibai finished cultivating, night had already fallen. During his practice, he had vaguely heard some activity outside his door, but the others, seeing how absorbed he was, had not disturbed him.

Now, refreshed in mind and spirit, he found himself a little hungry. At first, he considered eating some of his travel rations, but the delicious meal at noon had awakened his appetite, and he now craved something tasty.

With this in mind, Li Sibai picked up his Xuanyan Sword and stepped outside. The courtyard was hushed and tranquil. Looking up, he saw a sky full of stars and a round moon hanging on the horizon. The night breeze carried a faint fragrance, and the winding path ahead led deep into the unknown. Wild grasses, shrubs, and flowers of every kind bloomed all around.

He followed the winding path through the rear courtyard to the main hall. By now, it was nearly closing time, and the first floor of the Drunken Immortal Inn was almost deserted. Li Sibai chose a quiet corner and ordered a few plates of tasty dishes, eating alone.

The spacious hall felt even emptier with so few customers. Yet, at a not-too-distant table, two young men caught Li Sibai’s attention. They were plainly dressed, about seventeen or eighteen, and unfamiliar to him. Still, Li Sibai could tell by their bearing that they were fellow cultivators—and not weak ones. They ate, drank, and whispered to each other, occasionally bursting into loud laughter when something especially pleased them.

Because Li Sibai had changed clothes, they took no notice of him.

He overheard snatches of their conversation—words like “Jade Pearl Peak,” “immortal herb,” and “reward.” Li Sibai frowned slightly; it was clear these two also intended to ascend Jade Pearl Peak in search of some kind of rare herb or treasure. He felt a twinge of unease, but since He Tianshu had yet to reveal the purpose of their journey, Li Sibai did not give it much thought. It couldn’t be such a coincidence, he told himself.

As for why He Tianshu still hadn’t disclosed their objective, his explanation was that there was no need to be impatient—just follow him, and the less they knew for now, the better for everyone. When the time came, all would be revealed. Trusting him implicitly, no one pressed further.

So, though Li Sibai was puzzled, he dismissed his suspicions with a wry smile.

At that moment, the two young men seemed to have finished eating and were preparing to return to the rear courtyard. One, wearing a blue robe and perhaps a bit tipsy, stood up unsteadily, tripped over his stool, and fell to the ground with a thud. In that instant, as his robe flipped up, Li Sibai caught a glimpse of a jade token. Its design was unmistakably that of the inner-sect disciple token from the Xuanyan Sword Sect, sending a jolt through him.

Normally, with his level of skill, such a person would never have stumbled—except tonight, after a few too many drinks and a careless misstep. Embarrassed and annoyed, he began to curse, while the waiter hurried over to help him up and apologize profusely. The young man continued to grumble, but his black-clad companion calmed him, and the two supported each other as they made their way toward the rear courtyard.