Page 53: Mirage City

The City is situated on a port unlike merchant City that is located at the heart of a wide island. Around it is a dense shroud of forest where many beasts lurks. This wide forest and mountain ranges serves also as a hunting ground and practice area for the Mirage Art school and chosen noble houses. Compared with the Six star school that focuses on fighting skills, the mirage art school focuses on movement speed and dexterity. Although they practice some sword skills, what they cultivate further is their movement skills. Each of the household passes down their own movement skills to their predecessors which makes them the top contenders during the interschool competitions.

A while ago, Long Bai was able to see two movement technique from the fight of the two groups. One was a technique he is very well informed, the while the other was a technique he have never seen before. Although they were different styles, they were both on the same level of mastery as what Bai observed when the two were executing it. Because of that, Long Bai decided to list the Yang residence as one of the places he will check later. As of now, his goal was to observe the city he's entering.

It is late afternoon. At the entrance, there was no guard posts nor any check points to check on anyone who enters the city. It would seem that everyone is allowed to enter as they wished. Since he is coming from the mountain side, the view of the great sea has just entered his view.

Upon entry, Long Bai was about to be concerned about how he looks but as he observed the dress codes of the people, his wear is nothing but ordinary. Add the dirt that has accumulated during hos stay in the cave, his looks have just made him even more ordinary. There are no issues about blending in. First thing he need to was to find a place to stay and have some light meal. Places as such are the best location to listen for some current news and gossip. He should at least learn a thing or two about the place. Although he had heard some details from alchemist Mo about the other union islands, nothing beats having it experienced at first hand.

Along the streets, two- storey buildings meant for food business have lined up. Long Bai checked some of them and have decided to enter a neat-looking restaurant with the name "Water Serpent Meals". On its signage, a detailed illustration of a water- dwelling beast catches the eyes of whoever may pass. On the wall outside, another smaller wooden plank has some words written: ",5 red crystals and above meals"

This means that the place must be an extravagant place. Although it sounds like its a place where trouble often brews, he can't take away the idea of tasting a beast that is fished out of water. All the food he has eaten were from the land. If his guess is correct, the water- dwelling beast meat should resemble that of a fish. To quell that curiosity, he had no choice but to enter. He'll just keep a low profile in case.

As he entered the restaurant, he was greeted by a lady who was dressed as a waitress. Having the same outfit as the other woman who serves other tables, it makes them stand out inside the establishment. However, from how he was being looked at, the waitress must have some doubts about his monetary capacity.

"Good afternoon young sir, how may I help you? Do you perhaps have some master who already entered this place?"

Long Bai's thoughts just kicked in again. 'Aw man. Does she thinks I'm some servant of some master? Do I really look like a beggar? Hmm. Should I just go and buy some new clothes and return? Ahh.. That's a hassle. Let's just try first.'

"Miss, I came here to eat. If you please may, I'm satisfied with a table for one." Long Bai showed his cosmic pouch that was dangling on his waist. The moment he showed the pouch, the lady's eyes instantaneously sparkled like she have seen a precious gem.

"Please forgive this servant, young master. My eyes have failed to see the stars of the day. Young master please follow me."

Long Bai followed the lady and was brought to the second floor. Looking at the interior, the second floor seemed to have more decorations than the first floor. Long Bai speculated that owners of cosmic pouches around this area must have a big background.

"Young master, would you prefer a seat by the window? The weather today seems to have made the port's view spectacular."

"Yes. I would like that."

As it was recommended, the view was really some sight to behold. The orange skies over the horizon and the reflection of the waters made the colors even more vivid. Watching the busy people do their work, listening to the sounds of trading and enjoying the mellow salty breeze, it was such a short enjoyable slow life since someone from the other table has disturbed his peace.

A group of youth was having an argument with another group over a table saying they have reserved the table while the other came early and argues that there's no such thing as reservation. Long Bai was annoyed with the childishness if these youths who instigates fights because of a table. He made a face-palm gesture and thought, 'Haa. why can't they just go and find another table? What's special about a table when your purpose is just to eat anyway? Ahh.. juveniles.'

The waitress beside him was just quiet and waits for Long Bai to make an order. It seems like she is used to such settings already that she never minds it.

"Miss, I would like to order the house's signature dish and add some of those side dishes. No wine please, just water. Thank you."

After giving his order, the waitress immediately scurried to the kitchen. It felt like she was trying to get away from the escalating situation on the other table. Long Bai tried to watch what was going on but one of the subordinates noticed him and yelled instead.

"Hey, what are you looking at? If you don't want your eyes to be gouged out, look somewhere!"

After yelling, he even felt satisfied with what he did. It was as if he's done something great for his young master. Long Bai just retracted his eyes after making some assessment of their stats.

[Mu Fan

Age: 17

Cultivation level: Visceral tempering layer (1st level)

Core grade: Average

State: (Healthy)(Agitated)]

[Tao Yin

Cultivation level: Visceral tempering layer (2nd level)

Core grade: Average

State: (Healthy)(Annoyed)]

After looking at the stats, Long Bai knew what was going on. It was a common bullying scenario of rivals from different families. Getting a table of your liking was like a metaphor of someone's power. If the other would chose to give up his table, it would mean that he allowed his pride to be stepped on.

'What a troublesome custom.' Long Bai thought. 'If this happened in modern times, I wonder what's the usual response? Hmm. If one is to make a commotion in such a place usually they would become the central attraction of the internet. They might even make them a meme. Such a difference in ways.'

Five minutes have passed and the waitress came back with his order. When she placed the plate on the table, Long Bai was amazed with the presentation. It looked like steak, but the meat texture was that of fish-like. Long Bai was curious. Long Bai took out five red shards and placed on the table.

"Miss, can you tell me what kind of meat this is and how it was cooked? That was too quick for cooking, isn't it?"

The waitress took the shards quietly and responded with a short reply.

"Dear customer, the meat was from a Blue Marshall, a midlevel, earth rank water species which is the main catch of this city. As for the cooking, we have a master chef who is qualified to be called a food alchemist. He came from the mainland and decided to peacefully settle in this city. That's all I can tell you, young master. If you still want to order after this, you may call me again."

"Thank you. Here's the payment by the way."

The waitress took off and went downstairs. Long Bai on the other hand started to enjoy his food. It was unbelievably tasty. The sauce on the surface was like a shiny varnish that made the meat shine while the smell of the combined cooked meat and the sauce created a mouth - watering smoked smell. When he poked the meat, the surface dimpled while an aromatic meat juice just oozed out of it. He was now ready. Ready to make a cut. He took the knife with his right hand and his fork on his left, made an incision from the top side going to the bottom while exerting a minimal force downwards. A perfect single slice of bite sized portion from a single stroke.

With his salivary glands working out, Long Bai wasn't able take it any more slower. Stabbing the separated portion and straight to the mouth, every bite was a burst of umami flavor. The moment of bliss have stayed like that until the last piece of meat. Long Bai was not able to control himself and let out some sound of satisfaction.

"Mmmm. that was great."

Just after he chugged down a cup of water, a man's voice echoed from the back. Another subordinate of Tao Yin yelled at him.

"How dare you! Young master is here and you dare to make such noice!"

Long Bai looked around and noticed everyone seemed to have difficulty eating in peace because of the ruse these youths. When his eyes met with the angry subordinate, the youth made a move and acted to punch him.

"You try to ignore me? Receive this punishment!"

Everyone who saw the youth made a move gave out some faint gasps however, after seeing how Long Bai managed to dodge, there was silence then a loud crash.

In Long Bai's view, the punch was slow enough for him to casually dodge. Since he doesn't want to make more troubles, he decided to dodge and walked past the youth. In the eyes of the onlookers, Bai's movement looked like a casual walk but what happened really was that he used the skill to make his movement fluid. After the youth crashed on the table, everyone's attention was with Long Bai. Before he can step on the stairs leading down, Tao Yin called out.

"Wait up! Who are you?"

Long Bai paused for a while and thought of a reply. Since he might be meeting this man in the future, he just decided to be a bit friendly.

"I'm just a passerby. You don't need to mind me. However may just inform young master Yin to let everyone eat in peace? Alright, I'll be going?"

Before he can hear the response of Tao Yin, he already dashed out of the establishment and went to look for some place to stay.

While everyone became quiet, the subordinate who just crashed into the table rose up and began shouting. Tao Yin became furious with his subordinate's behavior. Not only did he make a ruckus but even embarrassed him in front of many people.

"Shut up! When we return to my residence, prepare for a punishment. Let's go back. No dinner for today!

Mu Fan, I'll remember this!"

Out of embarrassment, he willingly exited the place leaving the people a bit shocked by his decision.