Chapter 268

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The next morning, the three of them got up and had a rather lavish breakfast before setting out on their journey.

For the next two days, there were no larger market towns along the way, so they did not receive any further hospitality. This was understandable—the host who had treated them earlier clearly did not want them to know who he was. He would not personally arrange for them to be entertained and could only make use of local inns or taverns. But if there weren’t even a slightly larger market town available, then there was simply no way to provide such hospitality.

What Zhang Xiaohua could not understand, however, was—what exactly was going on with the Heaven’s Way Alliance?

The Three Auspicious Treasures had been killed, Qiu Xidao had been killed, and even the Ma family had been massacred. News of such events should have already spread throughout the entire martial world. Qin Shiyue had utterly shattered the Heaven’s Way Alliance’s reputation—so why weren’t they trying to salvage their honor? If the Heaven’s Way Alliance could send out an even stronger expert to kill or at least injure Qin Shiyue, wouldn’t that create an opportunity for him to take advantage of the chaos?

Ever since that night at the Four Seas Inn, when he had successfully practiced the Earth Escape Technique, the urge to flee had once again ignited within his heart. But the incantation for the Earth Escape Technique consisted of a total of nine seals, and he had only just learned the first one. Even this initial seal alone had completely drained his True Qi. He had no idea if the remaining ones would also require so much True Qi. If they did, then he would have to cultivate nine times his current True Qi reserves just to use the full technique. But if he had to wait until he had cultivated that much True Qi, he would likely have already been skinned alive by that Cult Master of the Heavenly Dragon Divine Cult. By then, it would be far too late.

In truth, it was not just Zhang Xiaohua who was confused—Qin Shiyue and Ying Fei were just as puzzled. Ever since killing the Three Auspicious Treasures, they had been constantly on guard against retaliation from the Heaven’s Way Alliance. Yet the past few days had been eerily calm. Aside from that abrupt hospitality, everything else had been dull and uneventful. If the Heaven’s Way Alliance had been absolutely confident that the Three Auspicious Treasures could capture them, without leaving any backup plans, that would have been understandable. Even now, Qin Shiyue himself still felt lingering fear at having narrowly escaped from the Three Talents Flag Gate Formation. But several days had already passed since the news had spread. No matter how slow the Heaven’s Way Alliance’s response was, by now, their people should have arrived.

But now, they had yet to encounter any obstacles. Could it be that the Heaven’s Way Alliance was planning something big?

At this thought, Qin Shiyue felt a little uneasy. However, he had already sent word back to the sect. Neither his master nor the Cult Master would simply stand by and do nothing. He could only continue forward and see how things played out.

Just then, Ying Fei spurred his horse forward and said with a smile: “Daren, there’s another town up ahead. I wonder if we’ll receive any hospitality this time. The past few days, we haven’t had a proper meal or drink—my mouth is getting dry enough to whistle.”

Qin Shiyue chuckled and asked: “Perhaps. How far is it?”

“Daren, about the time it takes for two meals.”

“Alright, let’s hurry ahead and take a look.”

As they neared the town, they saw no one scouting them out like before, which left the three of them slightly disappointed. However, as soon as they rode into the town, they noticed a few people standing by the roadside. Among them was a middle-aged man who, upon spotting Qin Shiyue’s white hair, seemed delighted. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said: “May I ask if you are Lord Qin and Lord Ying?”

The three of them exchanged glances, each thinking the same thing—Here we go again.

Ying Fei stepped forward and said: “That’s us. What’s the matter?”

“I am the manager of the largest tavern in this town, Four Seas Inn. A certain lord reserved a meal for you at our establishment several days ago. I have been waiting here for two days already. Please, sirs, follow me to enjoy your meal.”

“Four Seas Inn? Wasn’t the inn we stayed at a few days ago also called Four Seas Inn?”

“Yes, Daren, you are most perceptive. Four Seas Inn is a chain business with branches in various places, offering both inns and taverns. If you require accommodations in the future, we would be honored to serve you.”

“Well said, well said. Let’s go.”

The manager and his attendants personally took the reins of their horses and led them to a tavern in the town.

The tavern was situated in a lively district, and it was right during business hours. Yet, the place seemed strangely deserted. Qin Shiyue frowned at this, and the manager quickly explained: “The lord who reserved the meal has booked the entire tavern just to entertain you, Daren. I originally thought you would arrive yesterday, so we closed for business all day in anticipation. The same goes for today. That’s why it looks so empty. On any other day, this place would be packed. Our Four Seas Inn serves the finest food and wine in town—you’ll see once you try it.”

Qin Shiyue merely smiled without saying a word. This manager was quite the talker. If the food was anything like last time, then the ingredients alone were beyond what this tavern could normally provide. Still, since the man was being so attentive, there was no need to expose him.

Sure enough, upon entering the tavern, they saw a large table set up in the courtyard, just like before. Tea and dried fruits had already been arranged, and soon after they sat down, the wine and dishes began arriving in an endless stream. However, this time, the food was completely different from what they had last time. There were many exotic dishes that Zhang Xiaohua had never even seen before, let alone tasted. In fact, it wasn’t just Zhang Xiaohua—Ying Fei also found himself marveling inwardly. Just who was this mysterious benefactor? Such thoughtfulness, such effort—it must have taken quite some trouble.

Qin Shiyue glanced at the table, deep in thought, before waving his hand and saying, “Eat.”

At those words, Zhang Xiaohua immediately dug in. Heh, being a prisoner isn’t too bad—if it weren’t for the lack of freedom, he’d almost consider following Qin Shiyue for life!

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua wolfing down his food so ravenously, Qin Shiyue chuckled to himself. How can this brat eat so ungracefully? He looks completely unrefined. Which faction raised this disciple? How did they fail to teach him even the most basic social etiquette? Sure, the martial world is all about fighting and killing, but a bit of refinement is necessary too.

But when he turned to look at Ying Fei—he almost lost his composure. Seriously? He’s picking at the food just as wildly as Zhang Xiaohua! How is it that after just a few days of traveling together, of all the things to pick up, he only learned Zhang Xiaohua’s gluttonous habits? Qin Shiyue couldn’t help but give a low cough.

Ying Fei looked up and met Qin Shiyue’s sharp glare. Instantly realizing his mistake, he quickly adjusted himself and began eating properly. Zhang Xiaohua, hearing the cough, also raised his head in confusion and glanced at the two of them. When he saw that Ying Fei had stopped competing with him for food, he was delighted and went right back to devouring his meal.

Qin Shiyue and Ying Fei exchanged wry smiles. If it weren’t for the fact that they were the only three people in the tavern, they would have pretended not to know this guy long ago.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, an unexpected disturbance arose.

A loud voice boomed from outside the tavern. “Manager! Manager! Is this place really a tavern or not? It’s mealtime—why aren’t you letting us in to eat?”

“Hero, please quell your anger! My humble tavern has already been fully reserved today, so we are not open to the public. I sincerely apologize! However, if you enjoy our food and drinks, please come back tonight or tomorrow, and your humble servant will surely give you a generous 2% discount!”

“Enough with the nonsense! I’m leaving this damn place this afternoon—who has time to come back? Yesterday, you told me the same thing, so I gave you face and went elsewhere. But when I passed by your tavern, I didn’t see a single person dining inside! And now today, it’s still reserved? Do you take me for a fool?”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare! Four Seas Tavern operates with integrity above all else—how could we deceive our patrons? It’s just that yesterday, the guests hadn’t arrived yet, but today they have. How about this, hero? I’ll send one of my attendants to another tavern and have them give you a fifty percent discount. Would that be acceptable?”

“Pah! This town only has two big taverns, and I already ate at the other one yesterday! What, you expect me to eat there again today? And since when does someone reserve an entire tavern for two days just to wait for guests? You’re clearly lying! I want to see for myself who in the world has such an outrageous ego.”

“Great hero, great hero, please, I beg you! How about this—if you come back tonight, I’ll give you a five percent discount! That’s the absolute lowest I can offer—I never give discounts like this.”

“Move aside! I’m going in to take a look.”

“No, please! I’m begging you—can’t you please give me some face?”

“Give you face? Hah! Who the hell gives me face? I already gave you face yesterday—don’t expect it again today!”

“Great hero, great hero, please, I beg you! How about ten percent off tonight? That’s my final offer!”

As the argument drew closer, that booming voice finally barged into the tavern.

The one who entered was a towering, burly man, nearly nine feet tall. Compared to him, the middle-aged tavern manager looked downright diminutive. No wonder he couldn’t stop him.

Qin Shiyue sat in the grand hall, holding a small porcelain wine cup, leisurely savoring the amber-colored liquor. His face carried a contented smile, as if he were in an excellent mood. Meanwhile, the burly man shoved the shopkeeper aside and strode into the hall. But the moment he laid eyes on Qin Shiyue’s full head of silver hair, he froze on the spot. The middle-aged shopkeeper turned back apologetically and said: “Master Qin, I truly apologize. I simply couldn’t stop this hero from barging in.”

Just as Qin Shiyue was about to speak, the burly man abruptly pushed the shopkeeper aside and, in an instant, swapped his aggressive demeanor for one of extreme servility. With a flattering smile, he said: “Master Qin! I knew you were dining here, so I specially came to offer you a toast. This shopkeeper stubbornly refused to let me in, which led to the misunderstanding. A complete misunderstanding, truly!”

Then, with quick and eager steps, he rushed over, grabbed the wine jug, and carefully refilled Qin Shiyue’s cup.

This sudden change in attitude left the shopkeeper utterly dumbfounded. Even Zhang Xiaohua, who had been looking forward to some entertainment, felt thoroughly disappointed. With nothing exciting to watch, he simply buried his head back into his meal.

Qin Shiyue glanced at the now-filled wine cup in his hand and asked: “How did you recognize me?”

The burly man immediately put on an obsequious grin. “Master Qin, you just wiped out the Ma Residence—your name is spreading far and wide across the Jianghu! How could I not know?”

“Wiped out the Ma Residence?”

“Yes, Master Qin! You were truly awe-inspiring! The word on the street is that you passed through Xinji Town and, out of generosity, paid a visit to Ma Rulong’s family. But instead of appreciating the honor, he was displeased because you didn’t bring a longevity gift. He dared to slight you! In a fit of anger, you wiped out his entire household—all three hundred and five members. Everyone is saying that Ma Rulong was a fool! Having Master Qin visit him was already a blessing from three lifetimes of accumulated virtue, yet he had the nerve to nitpick and demand that you bring a gift? Well, now look at him—he’s lost his life instead!”

“There are such rumors?”

Even Zhang Xiaohua, who had been fully focused on eating, couldn’t help but lift his head from the table in astonishment!