Chapter Twenty: On the Matter of Theft

This man was exceedingly handsome, one could even say beautiful; from the perspective of a man, his features seemed to possess more softness than masculine vigor. His jet-black hair was neatly tied at the back, the top gathered simply with a slender bamboo stick, while a few mischievous strands of fringe fell upon his brow, accentuating his long, alluring phoenix eyes. His clear, smooth face was devoid of any beard, that flawless fairness like uncarved jade, seemingly untouched by any artifice—by appearances alone, he was certainly an exceptional beauty among men. Even Bai Mu, renowned for his striking looks, appeared somewhat ordinary beside him.

He wore a white robe paired with black riding boots, and at his waist hung a piece of jade, its spiritual energy swirling within, about three fingers wide and of superior quality. Altogether, his attire gave him the air of a noble or high official.

“Was it you who injured me just now?” The man with rat-like eyes questioned suspiciously.

“Yes, is there a problem?” The handsome stranger replied indifferently, picking up a cup of wine from the table and draining it in a single bold gesture.

“Who are you, that you dare to attack someone so recklessly?” The rat-eyed man pressed, rubbing his swollen cheek.

“My name is Feng Zijing, just an ordinary man, no special background. As for why I struck you, I believe you know the reason well enough!” As he spoke, the handsome man cast a contemptuous glance, an aura of effortless authority radiating from his eyes.

“Busybody!” The rat-eyed man scowled, hurried to his table, snatched up his sword, and prepared to teach Feng Zijing a lesson.

“What now?” Bai Mu watched the impending clash, amusement flickering across his face.

“Let them be. Best if it’s dog eat dog; once we finish our food, we should leave quickly,” Ling Yan replied calmly, as if the looming fight had nothing to do with her. Her composure in the face of chaos stirred a genuine admiration in Bai Mu.

While the two quietly plotted, one of the rat-eyed man’s companions quickly restrained him, advising patiently, “Xiu Ji, don’t quarrel with them for no reason. We should finish our meal and hurry back to report that matter to the master—it concerns the peace of the Wildlands, after all.”

Xiu Ji gave a disgruntled snort toward Feng Zijing, then reluctantly sat down again.

After the disturbance faded, tranquility returned to the elegant chamber. Fortunately, Feng Zijing’s timely intervention prevented Ling Yan, with her fierce sense of justice, from severely punishing Xiu Ji for his insolence.

At that moment, the waiter brought out the famous dishes they had ordered. To confirm their ability to pay, he emphasized again, “Honorable guests, these are the most expensive dishes in our establishment. Please remember to settle your bill downstairs once you’re done.” He stressed the last words, clearly concerned they might not have heard.

Pretending calm as he sent the waiter away, Bai Mu couldn’t help but feel anxious. Having fled Dongwang Mountain in haste, he hadn’t brought any money, nor even any decent medicinal herbs or magical tools. Hearing the waiter’s reminder about paying, he remembered his empty purse and felt thoroughly embarrassed.

Ling Yan, perceptive as always, noticed his discomfort and murmured uncertainly, “You didn’t bring any money, did you?”

“None at all. Judging by your tone, it seems you don’t have any either?” Bai Mu replied in a hushed voice.

“I don’t even know what money looks like. This is my first time in the mortal world of the Wildlands,” Ling Yan responded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, likely because she realized they were about to dine without paying.

Seeing her embarrassment, Bai Mu felt a surge of protective pride and reassured her, “Don’t worry, I promise you’ll have money to pay the bill.”

He glanced slyly at Xiu Ji, seated three meters ahead, and discreetly pointed toward him while silently reciting, “The mountain dragon bends with purpose, the water dragon brings fortune, wind and cloud move without wind, let wealth swiftly arrive—now!”

As the incantation ended, Xiu Ji’s pocket opened by itself before their eyes and three coins rolled out, swiftly landing at Bai Mu’s feet and becoming his own.

Ling Yan exclaimed with delight, “Bai Mu, I never realized you could summon wealth—following you, we’ll never want for food or drink!”

“Shh…” Bai Mu gave her a sly gesture to keep quiet and whispered, “Let’s eat quickly and leave. If we stay too long, we might be discovered and get ourselves into trouble.”

“Afraid of what?” Ling Yan pouted, unconcerned. “That rat-eyed Xiu Ji has little real skill—only his senior might be formidable. He himself is just a coward. Besides, I’ve already figured out which sect he belongs to—how dare he challenge me…”

“What was that about ‘me’?” Bai Mu feigned ignorance, inwardly amused, thinking, “This little girl slipped again—such carelessness will cost her dearly in the Wildlands.”

“Nothing… nothing at all.” Ling Yan brushed off the question, poured herself some tea, and turned to Feng Zijing to offer a grateful toast, draining her cup as a gesture of thanks.

Feng Zijing, catching her meaning, raised his cup in return and drank, the gesture a wordless greeting between them.

Once Bai Mu and Ling Yan had devoured the four renowned dishes, they noticed that Feng Zijing had left without a trace, his seat now empty. Xiu Ji, meanwhile, continued drinking with his senior, oblivious to his lost money.

After their meal, Bai Mu and Ling Yan quickly went downstairs to settle their bill and left the tavern, hastening out of Dayong Market and heading toward Floating Jade Mountain.

By then, the sun was sinking in the west, golden light spilling into the peach orchard outside Dayong. The blushing peach blossoms reflected pink in the sunlight, creating a dizzying array of colors that almost bewitched the eyes.

After walking about fifty miles along the peach grove, they suddenly saw a flash of white light—a white-robed figure rapidly approaching. As he passed Bai Mu, he waved in greeting, but, evidently pressed by urgent matters, he did not linger and soon vanished along the road back to Dayong.