Chapter 107: Visitors from the Yamen

As the man in the brown robe realized something was amiss, he turned his head and stood frozen in shock.

Those around also cast surprised glances at the Sword Blind Man, whispering among themselves.

“You—you... you old blind man, how dare you hit someone in the street? Do you believe I’ll report you to the authorities?” The man in the brown robe was frightened, his speech faltering.

The Sword Blind Man immediately pointed his cane at him with a cold, sharp tone: “If you don’t leave now, I’ll let you taste this feeling!”

“Just wait! If you’ve got the guts, don’t run!”

Knowing he had crossed a formidable opponent, the man in the brown robe spat out a threat and, accompanied by four ruffians, slunk away.

No sooner had they gone than some onlookers began clapping and cheering.

But the Sword Blind Man remained unmoved, continuing to wait in line to enter the Delicacy House for a meal.

Not far off, Xu Mo smiled and said to Chen Miaoyi and Ning Yaxin, “See? I told you this elder is not an ordinary man!”

Chen Miaoyi nodded and said to Ning Yaxin, “Miss Ning, judging by this, the sword this elder sold to my husband should not be a fake.”

Ning Yaxin replied, “It’s best if it’s genuine.”

Xu Mo pondered and then asked, “My lady, Miss Ning, why don’t we invite this elder to join us for a meal?”

Chen Miaoyi agreed at once.

Ning Yaxin asked, “Young Master Xu, you suddenly want to invite someone to eat—could it be because you saw his exceptional martial skills and want to become his disciple?”

Xu Mo laughed and shook his head. “No, I can’t endure the hardships of martial training. I’m simply quite interested in this elder and want to get to know him.”

Ning Yaxin nodded silently.

Xu Mo then approached the Sword Blind Man and said, “Elder, I didn’t expect to meet you here again; what a coincidence.”

The Sword Blind Man’s keen ears immediately recognized Xu Mo’s voice: “Is that you?”

His expression darkened. “Young man, what I sell is final—no returns!”

Xu Mo laughed. “Elder, you misunderstood. I’m not here to ask for a refund; I’m here for a meal as well.”

Hearing this, the Sword Blind Man’s face softened somewhat.

Xu Mo smiled. “Elder, there are many people ahead of you, so the wait might be long. If you don’t mind, join us. We have a private room reserved—no waiting needed.”

Surprised, the Sword Blind Man asked, “Young man, we don’t know each other. Why are you so kind?”

Xu Mo replied seriously, “Elder, I saw your remarkable skills just now. I have admired masters like you since I was young, so I wished to make your acquaintance, nothing more.”

After a brief hesitation, the Sword Blind Man nodded. “Alright, you seem sincere. I will join you.”

—

Xu Mo was delighted and led the Sword Blind Man into the Delicacy House, followed by Chen Miaoyi, Ning Yaxin, and the others.

On the second floor in a private room, after everyone was seated, Xu Mo began introducing the group to the Sword Blind Man.

“Elder, this is my wife,” he said.

Chen Miaoyi politely greeted, “Elder.”

The Sword Blind Man nodded in her direction. “Hmm.”

Xu Mo continued, “Elder, this is Miss Ning.”

“I greet you, Elder,” Ning Yaxin said.

The Sword Blind Man turned and nodded to her as well, saying “Hmm.”

Finally, Xu Mo introduced himself simply by name, without any titles.

The Sword Blind Man seemed uncomfortable with formalities and changed the subject: “Xu Mo, I’m hungry. Go ask the staff how long before the dishes arrive.”

“Please wait a moment, Elder. The food will be served shortly,” Xu Mo smiled.

The Sword Blind Man said no more.

Noticing the lull, Xu Mo started casual conversation, chatting with the Sword Blind Man at ease.

Xu Mo was very talkative and well-read, maintaining a pleasant demeanor, which gradually encouraged the Sword Blind Man to open up.

During their talk, Xu Mo learned the Sword Blind Man had traveled from a place even farther than Bifuchun County. His purpose was to taste the authentic stir-fry dishes of Xinzhou County.

Xu Mo also learned that stir-frying had become popular in the capital, with many large restaurants adopting iron woks, making stir-frying a trend in the culinary world.

The Sword Blind Man was an unabashed foodie. Upon learning that the Delicacy House was the origin of stir-fry dishes, he had come without hesitation.

Unexpectedly, his expenses on the journey were high, and by the time he reached Xinzhou, his funds were nearly depleted.

To fulfill his wish of enjoying authentic stir-fry at the Delicacy House, he had to sell his Purple Rainbow Sword.

Xu Mo immediately summoned the staff and ordered that every stir-fry dish be served without exception.

This gesture earned the Sword Blind Man’s admiration, and from then on, his attitude toward Xu Mo changed completely.

During this time, Ning Yongqiang also visited. Ning Yaxin had hoped to keep him for the meal, but Ning Yongqiang was helpless, saying he had no time.

Due to the bustling market days, the Delicacy House was exceptionally busy. He wished he could master the art of duplication to be in several places at once.

—

Shortly after Ning Yongqiang left, Shopkeeper Luo and his staff brought out the dishes.

Soon the table was filled with dishes: signature scrambled eggs with chives, wood ear mushroom stir-fried chicken, braised pork, and newly developed dishes like celery stir-fried with mutton, and bamboo shoot tips stir-fried with shredded meat.

Xu Mo introduced each dish to the Sword Blind Man, who nodded repeatedly, swallowing his saliva. The formidable warrior image faded, revealing his true identity as a hearty eater.

After sampling several dishes, the Sword Blind Man gave the stir-fries at the Delicacy House the highest praise.

He said he had tasted stir-fries from many restaurants on his journey, but none matched the delicious aroma and flavor of the Delicacy House.

His appetite was astonishing. Before long, he had consumed half the dishes on the table.

Seeing the Sword Blind Man so delighted, Xu Mo tactfully tried to learn his real name and background.

But the Sword Blind Man was not fooled, always saying he was just a wanderer, an unknown nobody.

Xu Mo, seeing no urgency, continued to accompany him, chatting about everything under the sun while eating and drinking.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, Ning Yongqiang suddenly burst in.

“Sister, Mr. Xu, bad news—the authorities are here!”

Ning Yongqiang looked toward the Sword Blind Man, frowning. “The officials said to hand over the old blind man who beat someone; otherwise, they will enter and arrest him!”

It turned out the man in the brown robe who had been beaten had gone to report to the authorities and now they had come to arrest the Sword Blind Man.

Hearing this, the Sword Blind Man stood up, clasped his hands, and said loudly, “Everyone, thank you for your hospitality. This matter was caused by me, so I must handle it myself. I cannot let it affect your business.”

“If fate allows, we shall meet again!”

With that, he leaned on his cane and headed for the door.

Xu Mo immediately rose to block him. “Elder, let us handle this. You stay here.”

“Xu, your kindness is appreciated, but I always take responsibility for my own actions. Running away is not my way!” the Sword Blind Man said.

With that, he walked outside the private room.

Xu Mo said without hesitation, “Elder, I will go with you!”

As soon as he finished, Xu Mo stood beside the Sword Blind Man, insisting on accompanying him.

The Sword Blind Man smiled, and the two left the room together.

At the next moment, Chen Miaoyi, Ning Yaxin, Ning Yongqiang, Qin Mutou, and Ling’er all hurried after them...