Chapter 105: A Guest at Imperial Delicacies Pavilion

Luyang City.

Amid the bustling streets, two peculiar figures stood before the Royal Treasures Pavilion. Qingfeng squinted slightly in the gentle breeze, not yet noticing that the Peak Master beside him had stopped and was gazing upward intently.

“What is it? Something caught your attention?” Qingfeng asked.

The man in the black robe tilted his head back and said, “The spiritual talisman on that plaque intrigues me greatly. I wonder who wrote it.”

Qingfeng lightly tapped his fan against his left palm, stepped back a few paces, and examined the talisman. Unfortunately, he did not recognize it.

“Should we capture them?” The young man smiled, resembling a kindly older brother from next door, yet his manner was cruel, and his words carried no emotion.

The black-robed man lowered his head and strode forward. “What I detest most is your smile—it’s utterly repugnant.”

Xiao Yue’er rarely saw strangers here; after all, only a handful of wealthy families lived in Luyang City, and those who could afford embroidered perch dishes were always the same.

Yet these two were entirely unfamiliar.

Cautiously, she approached and addressed the ever-smiling Qingfeng, who seemed easier to talk to. “Welcome, are you visiting the Royal Treasures Pavilion for the first time?”

“Your eyesight is keen,” Qingfeng said, folding his fan. “My master and I are indeed first-time visitors, drawn here by the fame of the embroidered perch. We came especially to taste it. We also heard that Lady Ye has fallen ill—it’s truly heartbreaking. How is she now?”

“How kind of you to ask. Lady Ye’s health has been fragile, but the Royal Treasures Pavilion guarantees the quality of the embroidered perch. Please, follow me upstairs.”

Qingfeng bowed slightly, courteous as ever.

Xiao Yue’er asked by habit, “Would you like two embroidered perches, gentlemen?”

“My master has a big appetite. Miss, please bring us four, and a pot of wine,” Qingfeng replied.

The embroidered perch isn’t a mass-produced dish. Each fish is freshly caught and prepared on the spot. Because of its high price and rich flesh, one fish is enough to satisfy a person.

Hearing that these two ordered four, Xiao Yue’er hurried to the kitchen. Lady Ye, now recovering, treasured the kitchen like her own domain and was always present there.

“Lady Ye, there’s an order for four fish outside.”

“Very well, prepare the fish,” Lady Ye responded expertly. The kitchen was impeccably organized—pots and bowls in perfect order. Although she was gentle outside, inside the kitchen she was strict; mistakes here would anger her. “Is this for the Sixth Princess’s residence?”

The Sixth Princess was fond of reading and had three attendants who shared her meals, so they always ordered four fish.

“No, these are for two strangers. One wears a black robe, his face hidden beneath a mask, looking rather sinister. The other is much friendlier, always smiling; otherwise, I’d be terrified of the black-robed man,” Xiao Yue’er explained.

Lady Ye didn’t dwell on it. Over the years, she had encountered all sorts of odd customers. Many came to Luyang just to savor the embroidered perch.

“I’ll bring them a pot of wine.”

“Go, and remember to time the dishes carefully. If the fish cools even a little, the flavor suffers.”

Xiao Yue’er took the wine and exited the kitchen, just as Chong Chong came running from the literary garden. “Sister Xiao Yue’er! Sister Xiao Yue’er!”

“Chong Chong, guests have arrived. I can’t play now.”

“Not playing! Sister Xiao Yue’er, I rewrote that talisman again. Come quickly and see!”

“Once I’ve served the embroidered perch, I’ll come, alright?”

Upstairs, Qingfeng opened the window and caught a glimpse of the scene below, his smile unreadable as ever.

“Come, sit.”

“Peak Master, I think I know who wrote that talisman you noticed.”

“I heard you, but that’s not the purpose of this trip. No distractions. Your arrogance is not a virtue.”

“It’s just a little girl. What harm could come of it? Even if something happens, no one here is a match for me. I will handle it cleanly.”

“I said, no distractions.”

Despite the reprimand, Qingfeng smiled and said, “My apologies.”

“Soon enough, I’ll wipe that smile off your face.”

Moments later, Xiao Yue’er returned with the wine tray. “Please have a seat, gentlemen. The perch is being prepared and will be ready shortly.”

“We’re not in a hurry,” Qingfeng said kindly. “Since it’s a world-renowned dish, it’s worth the wait.”

Xiao Yue’er’s impression of him improved, so she chatted a little. “Are you visitors from afar?”

“Yes, we come from the west. On the way here, we heard much about the Royal Treasures Pavilion, but we’re curious—how did the embroidered perch become so famous throughout the land?”

This was naturally a source of pride for Xiao Yue’er.

She explained at length that the perch was a rare spirit creature from Fuxian Lake and praised Lady Ye’s culinary skills.

Feigning amazement, Qingfeng said, “The Xu Kingdom truly is a great power in the Central Plains, daring to hunt and cook such spiritual creatures. It’s eye-opening indeed.”

“It’s not so rare; Fuxian Lake produces plenty,” Xiao Yue’er replied modestly.

“Oh, I’ve heard Fuxian Lake is one of Luyang’s four wonders. After we finish the fish, we’ll visit the lake. Could you tell us the way?”

Xiao Yue’er thought they were simply tourists eager to explore Luyang, but she didn’t notice the silent figure beside Qingfeng, whose presence was terrifying.

“Fuxian Lake lies east of Luyang City, near the coast. After dining, head east along Canopy Street at the city gate. Cross the bridge, then continue east along Changning Street—you’ll see the lake.”

The two men silently committed this to memory.

“Thank you, miss.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll bring your fish right away.”

After Lady Ye left, the man in black spoke, “Your smile is a useful disguise—it’s convenient for winning a woman’s heart.”

“Peak Master, please wait here. I’ll check on the child.”

As he finished speaking, he vanished in a flash.

The black-robed man stared at his wine, displeased. “This fellow is becoming more disobedient.”

Qingfeng remained intrigued. The talisman the Peak Master fixated upon was no ordinary charm, yet it was penned by a chubby, adorable little girl. There seemed to be an interesting story behind it.

Though the Peak Master forbade distractions, Qingfeng wanted to investigate.

Valuable treasures of the two peaks often lay scattered beyond their borders, and if not retrieved, they would be lost to the peaks forever.

The Peak Master’s caution wasn’t indifference but a natural wariness.

In reality, Qingfeng had already analyzed Luyang thoroughly. Aside from the Seventeenth Tower Master, who else could threaten the two of them?

In the literary garden, Chong Chong sat alone in the courtyard, writing. The ground was littered with discarded sheets—proof of much practice.

With her bun hairstyle and playful head movements, she was truly a charming child.

“Such an interesting child. Indeed, I intend to take you away with me.”