SWNOVELXO Chapter 111 Old Acquaintance of Black Stone County
The Jinxiu Building was just as its name suggested, decorated with splendor and dazzling with gold and jade carvings and colored glaze decorations, but it exuded luxury without appearing ostentatious.
Ye Caiyun rubbed her hands together and said, "The reason I like this Jinxiu Building isn't because of its lavish decorations, but rather because the chef here offers the best culinary skills in Kai Ping Prefecture.
Moreover, they even sell some rare types of meat, such as the Ice Spirit Fish that can only be caught in the deep northern seas, completely transparent and boneless, melting in the mouth, simply exquisitely delicious.
Spending days at the Demon Cleansing Bureau with all kinds of roasted lamb, stewed lamb, I'm practically reeking of sheep now."
Han Zheng didn't bother to say things like 'Why don't you eat minced meat?' since the commoners outside can't even afford rye bread, and being able to eat meat at will was already quite good enough.
The Ye Family was a great clan, and it was normal for Ye Caiyun to have never seen the lives of the lower-class commoners. It wasn't her fault.
If one were to reprimand her for this, it would be a bit too sanctimonious.
Besides, although Ye Caiyun was well protected by Ye Liuyun, she had not let them down at the critical moment, still daring to fight and kill the enemy.
Her performance in times of crisis was even better than Ye Liuyun had imagined.
The four were welcomed by a waiter to sit by the window on the first floor, and the dishes were served one after another. Ye Caiyun was even somewhat impatient, smilingly she said, "We are all our own people, so let's not be polite, let's start eating now."
Han Zheng tasted a few dishes from the Jinxiu Building and instantly understood why Ye Caiyun looked like she hadn't eaten in days.
Even though it had something to do with her being a foodie, the cuisine of Jinxiu Building was indeed unbelievably delicious.
Actually, if you talk about deliciousness, in my past life, various technologies and ruthless methods could almost mimic any tasty flavor.
Your two hours of simmering chicken soup might not even be as fresh as instant chicken broth concentrates with hot water.
But the various dishes in Jinxiu Building were unheard of by Han Zheng, each taste almost indescribable.
"Brother Han, congratulations on your promotion to Team Leader, being able to wear the Golden Pattern Armor in the Demon Cleansing Bureau right from the start, your future is bound to be limitless!"
Yang Tianqi raised his glass and toasted with a smile; Ye Liuyun and his sister also lifted their glasses.
Han Zheng picked up his glass and drained it in one gulp, chatting casually with everyone about Martial Arts and various matters within the Demon Cleansing Bureau while he ate.
At that moment, on the second floor, a pair of eyes watched Han Zheng with jealousy and a sinister gaze.
This person was none other than Guo Zhen.
However, today Guo Zhen wasn't wearing the Xuan Armor, but instead was wearing a brocade robe and dining with others.
Speaking of which, Guo Zhen was also down on his luck.
Last time, he was defeated in one move by Han Zheng on the arena, which resulted in an injury to his arm, and the next day he happened to be sent on a mission.
At that time, Guo Zhen, with an injured arm and a mind engulfed by the humiliation of being publicly defeated by Han Zheng, would be strange if he was able to perform well.
As a result, not only did he fail the mission, but he also became a liability, allowing a demon to escape, losing Merit Points, which put him another step away from becoming a Team Leader.
The last time Yang Tianqi held them back and was humiliated by him, but this time it was he who became the burden, how could Guo Zhen swallow this blow?
He directly blamed everything on Han Zheng and even thought that Han Zheng had ruined his big opportunity!
The Ye siblings joined the Demon Cleansing Bureau because of conflicts with the direct line of their family, making it impossible to stay in the Ye Family.
Although Guo Zhen was a member of the collateral Guo Family, he was favored by his father, and his status was much higher than that of Ye Liuyun in the Ye Family.
His purpose for joining the Demon Cleansing Bureau was utilitarian; he wanted to make a name for himself there and let the Guo Family's patriarch realize he was far better than his older brother.
In a few days, it would be the birthday of the Guo Family's patriarch, and he would return to the Guo Family to offer birthday wishes, so he wanted to be promoted to Team Leader, to show off in front of all the Guo Family's members.
That's why he was so angry when Yang Tianqi's actions prevented his promotion to Team Leader last time, and now Han Zheng causing him to lose Merit Points, he simply wanted to swallow Han Zheng whole.
"Brother Guo, what are you staring at so intently? Did you see a pretty girl?" asked a young man in his twenties, dressed in blue, with curiosity.
Guo Zhen turned his head with an apologetic smile, "Nothing much, just ran into an arrogant newbie from the Demon Cleansing Bureau, whom I taught a lesson on the arena.
But because of that guy, I performed poorly on a mission the next day and let a demon escape, failing to be promoted to Team Leader, really infuriating."
"Brother Guo, you're considered a veteran in the Demon Cleansing Bureau; which newcomer is so blind as to dare to cross you?"
Across from Guo Zhen, a young man with a handsome appearance asked.
That was none other than Lin Qing, who had left the Zhenwei Martial Arts Academy halfway and joined the Cang Mountain Sword Sect.
And sitting next to Lin Qing was Song Tianqing.
The two of them had undergone a transformation compared to their past selves back in Black Stone County.
The two of them, with their exceptional talent, joined the Inner Door of the Cang Mountain Sword Sect and were heavily cultivated. Under the accumulation of various high-level Cultivation Techniques and resources, their Cultivation had soared rapidly, and by this time, both had already been promoted to the Peak of Innate Transcendence.
Lin Qing, compared to before, became even more confident, resembling a bright and handsome young swordsman.
Song Tianqing's temperament still seemed somewhat grim, but he became more unrestrained and haughty, exuding an air of arrogance that looked down on everything.
Although the two of them hailed from a small place, after joining a major Sect, they continuously defeated Inner Sect Disciples of the Cang Mountain Sword Sect, becoming new stars of the Inner Door, and naturally, their demeanors were different now.
Although there was competition between them within the Sect, coming from Black Stone County and joining the Cang Mountain Sword Sect midway through, they naturally teamed up with each other, and their relationship became better than when they were in Black Stone County.
Guo Zhen let out a disdainful snort, "There are fools everywhere, Brother Lin, Brother Song. You've just arrived in Kai Ping Prefecture; don't let these riffraff disturb your thoughts. Let's have a drink."
As he spoke, Guo Zhen pulled over a man in blue robes and said, "Brother Qi from the Dan Yang Sect is as close to me as a brother. If you need elixirs, just speak with him directly. Being our own people, I guarantee he won't cheat you."
The man in blue chuckled, "I'm honored to meet such outstanding individuals as Brother Lin and Brother Song today.
I have some influence within the Dan Yang Sect, so I can ensure you get the lowest prices on elixirs; rest assured, the quality is the highest."
Today's banquet was organized by Guo Zhen.
The Dan Yang Sect is located just outside Kai Ping Prefecture, and he has long been acquainted with Qi Sheng.
The Cang Mountain Sword Sect is not located in Kai Ping Prefecture, but the Guo family is acquainted with one of the Sect's Elders.
Previously, Lin Qing and Song Tianqing had been taken down the mountain for training by that Elder, which is how they came to know Guo Zhen.
This time, Lin Qing and Song Tianqing were on a Sect mission to purchase some elixirs.
The Cang Mountain Sword Sect practiced alchemy as well, but recently there weren't enough elixirs for the many disciples, so they were looking to find some stable sources of elixirs.
As the most outstanding disciples within the Inner Door, only Song Tianqing and Lin Qing could be assigned such a task. By keeping just a token amount during the purchase, they would have enough to sustain their cultivation for quite some time.
These two happened to run into Guo Zhen upon arriving in Kai Ping Prefecture. After learning of their purpose, Guo Zhen promptly took charge, introducing them to Qi Sheng and facilitating the trade.
Though the Dan Yang Sect is also a martial arts Sect, it is renowned for alchemy, and many Sects and noble families in Kai Ping Prefecture would go to the Dan Yang Sect for their elixirs.
Qi Sheng was not a core disciple of the Dan Yang Sect. Naturally, he was overjoyed to meet individuals originating from a major Sect like Song Tianqing and Lin Qing. It could be said that they hit it off right away.
He even felt extremely grateful to Guo Zhen for bringing him such networking opportunities.
By his actions, Guo Zhen earned the gratitude of Qi Sheng and successfully established connections with Lin Qing and Song Tianqing—a win-win situation.
Guo Zhen was no arrogant fool.
His arrogance was directed only at those with no backing, like Yang Tianqi and Han Zheng.
In fact, he knew very well whom he could afford to provoke and whom he couldn't.
Who was worth befriending and who he should even humble himself before in pursuit of friendship.
When Ye Liuyun first arrived at the Demon Cleansing Bureau, Guo Zhen had also eagerly sought to make his acquaintance.
However, Ye Liuyun paid him no heed.
Ye Liuyun had known Guo Zhen even before entering the Demon Cleansing Bureau. He was well aware of what kind of character Guo Zhen was and naturally did not think much of him.
As the four men were clinking their cups together, Guo Zhen excused himself after a while to relieve himself.
But as he ascended the stairs, he came face to face with Yang Tianqi.
Having had quite a bit to drink and remembering the previous incident with Yang Tianqi that prevented him from becoming the Team Leader, Guo Zhen's blood boiled over with rage. He took a step forward, blocking Yang Tianqi's path.
"Guo Zhen? What are you up to?"
Yang Tianqi frowned instantly.
Guo Zhen sneered, "Big Eyes Yang, I underestimated you back then. You really have a knack for bootlicking, to cozy up with Ye Liuyun without anyone noticing.
If it hadn't been for Ye Liuyun, would you be fit for a place like the Brocade Pavilion?
And you're also so chummy with Han Zheng, that newcomer to the Demon Cleansing Bureau. You really have no shame."
Yang Tianqi sneered in return, "Even if I do seek the favor of Brother Ye, he is willing to befriend me.
You went out of your way to suck up to Brother Ye before, yet he didn't even give you the time of day.
And so what if Brother Han is a newcomer? Nowadays, Brother Han wears the Golden Pattern Armor and has become a Team Leader in the Demon Cleansing Bureau.
Our Demon Cleansing Bureau has always valued only ability and strength. Brother Han has both, and his future as a great figure among us is assured.
By that time, you won't even qualify to seek his favor!"
Previously, Yang Tianqi had kept his silence in the face of Guo Zhen's provocations.
But after being talked to by Ye Liuyun, he felt he had been too passive.
Having faced a Great Demon of the Xuan Gang Realm, Yang Tianqi had seen his fair share of the world, and now, confronting Guo Zhen's challenge, he was far more confident than before.
Guo Zhen was taken aback.
Then his face filled with rage.
He could never have imagined that Yang Tianqi, the small fry who used to tolerate his insults, would now dare to mock him.
"Big Eyes Yang, you're courting death!"
Guo Zhen suddenly struck out at him with a palm.
Though Yang Tianqi talked tough, he had not yet reached the level of the Water and Fire Immortal Clothes.
So, when Guo Zhen suddenly made his move, Yang Tianqi gritted his teeth and braced to endure it.
However, just at that moment, accompanied by a roaring sound like the wind and thunder, Han Zheng appeared in front of Guo Zhen. With a punch landing, Guo Zhen was instantly blasted away by an incredible force.