Chapter 15: A Taste of Heaven

Qin Lang smiled faintly. “It’s nothing much, brother. I just want you to take me out for breakfast.”

If there had been any ingredients in the courtyard, he wouldn’t have come to bother the other like this. With no food or rice, the only option was to go hungry. As someone who lived to eat, he had no intention of starving himself. Especially with plans to visit Misty Pavilion tonight—without a satisfied belly, how could he join the girls for a night of song and merrymaking?

“Breakfast?” Hua Manlou looked at Qin Lang in utter confusion, speechless at his request. “If you’re hungry, just go eat. Why come to call on me?”

“You want me to go alone?” Qin Lang was stunned, pointing to himself in disbelief. “Brother Hua, are you really at ease letting me go by myself?”

“Why not? This is—” Hua Manlou’s words halted abruptly, a dark line appearing on his brow. Although this city was a gathering place for humans, there were still some demons lurking about. Qin Lang was currently a target for the demon clan. If he wandered the streets alone, it would be courting death. Should anything happen to him, their entire plan would be ruined, and they might well be punished for it.

“Wait here a moment. I’ll change clothes, wash up, and then take you out for breakfast.” With that, Hua Manlou turned and headed into his room, shutting the door behind him with a bang.

Left standing in place, Qin Lang shook his head with a faint smile. It seemed these people took his safety very seriously.

Not one to dawdle, he leaned against a nearby pillar. From their every action, he’d already guessed the purpose behind his being brought here.

…

Walking along the spacious main street, watching the passing cultivators of all kinds, Qin Lang’s eyes sparkled, his entire being as if he’d discovered a new world. Though he’d been in the Supreme Purity Realm for some time, this was his first glimpse of such a bustling city. The lively scene nearly dazzled his golden-purple eyes.

After a while, he glanced at Hua Manlou. “Brother Hua, don’t tell me there’s no place here for breakfast.”

They’d been out for nearly half a stick of incense, yet still hadn’t found anywhere to eat, which left him rather vexed. Just where was Hua Manlou planning to take him for breakfast? With so many restaurants around, surely they could find something?

“Why are you in such a rush?” Hua Manlou replied, “One more street and we’ll reach our destination. When the time comes, I’ll treat you to the best rice noodles under the heavens.”

Still puzzled, Qin Lang could only follow along, hoping they’d reach food soon; his hunger was becoming unbearable. If this went on, he feared he might faint from hunger right there.

Soon enough, under Hua Manlou’s lead, they entered a narrow alley, turned left after nearly a hundred paces, and suddenly a two-story tavern appeared before them, packed with patrons.

Qin Lang, full of curiosity, asked, “Brother Hua, is this the place for those noodles you mentioned?”

The establishment was well hidden—if not for regulars, he was certain few would ever find it. But the aroma in the air, and the crowd of hundreds within, told him this tavern was no ordinary place.

“That’s right.” Hua Manlou nodded, excitement in his eyes. “Brother Qin, you know everything—these noodles are truly the finest delicacy. Nearly all who come here are repeat customers.”

“Brother Hua, the aroma is wonderful, but scent and taste aren’t the same. Like stinky tofu—it smells foul, but tastes amazing.” He didn’t doubt Hua Manlou’s word, but he couldn’t judge without tasting it himself. After all, a good smell didn’t guarantee good taste, nor did a bad smell mean the food was bad.

“Stinky tofu?” Hua Manlou was baffled. “Brother Qin, what is stinky tofu? Can you even eat it? What does it taste like?”

Realizing his slip, Qin Lang smiled. “Of course it’s delicious. I’ll make some for you when there’s time. But for now, can we please get some breakfast?”

“Certainly!”

As they entered the tavern, a young waiter greeted them with a smile. “Gentlemen, please come in.”

No sooner had they entered than seven or eight burly men exited past them.

Led by the waiter, they headed upstairs to a corner table. Once seated, the waiter smiled, “Sirs, what kind of noodles would you like?”

“I’ll have a bowl of chicken sauce noodles,” Hua Manlou replied, then turned to Qin Lang. “Brother Qin, what about you?”

“I—” Qin Lang started to answer, then gave a wry smile. “Brother Hua, I’ve just arrived and don’t know what’s on offer. I’ll have the same as you.”

There was no menu, which he found rather odd.

Left with no choice, he ordered the same as Hua Manlou.

“Very well.” Hua Manlou nodded and told the waiter, “Two bowls of chicken sauce noodles, make them large.”

“Right away, sirs. Please wait a moment while I tell the kitchen.”

…

On the bustling street outside, Qin Lang gave a quiet belch, sighing with contentment. “Brother Hua, I didn’t expect the noodles here to be so good!”

This meal was the best he’d had in over three years—even though it was only rice noodles, the taste was truly heavenly. Thinking of what he’d eaten before, he couldn’t help wondering if anything he’d tasted prior even counted as food.

Yet he was curious—why would a place with such extraordinary food be hidden in a little-known alley?

“Of course,” Hua Manlou grinned proudly. “If the noodles weren’t so good, why would I have brought you there myself?”

He’d only learned of this hidden gem thanks to a friend’s recommendation; otherwise, he’d have never known of the place.

After walking a short while on their way back, Qin Lang suddenly stopped. Hua Manlou halted as well, giving him a puzzled look. “Brother Qin, why have you stopped? Didn’t get enough to eat?”

Glancing around, Qin Lang asked in a low voice, “Brother Hua, do you know where I can have some clothes custom made around here?”

“I do.” Hua Manlou’s brow furrowed slightly. “Why? Are you thinking of ordering new clothes?”

Qin Lang nodded calmly. “We’re carrying out our task tonight. If I keep wearing these, I’m afraid it might draw unwanted attention.”

…

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