Chapter 16 - Thousand Flavora Restaurant

He rose from his seat with a calm and graceful movement, then stepped into the house he had just purchased.

Inside the simple yet clean room, Yuxian took out an ancient, dull sword from his storage ring. The dim lantern light reflected off its surface, revealing how worn the weapon was. However, despite its dull and unremarkable appearance, there was something strange about the sword.

"The aura of this sword... feels very similar to mine," he murmured, his brows furrowing with curiosity.

Without hesitation, Yuxian released his divine sense, allowing it to seep into the core of the sword. As his consciousness entered the blade, he sensed the presence of an ancient energy—one so immensely powerful that it seemed as if the sword contained a history spanning thousands of years, long forgotten by time.

As he delved deeper, layers of mystery began to unravel. Hidden within the sword was a complex and ancient spiritual formation, nearly impossible for an ordinary cultivator to comprehend. Yet, for Yuxian, every flow of energy within the blade felt familiar, as if the sword had once been a part of him in another life—or perhaps, it had been waiting for him all along.

The sword's aura began to resonate with the core of his spirit, making the room feel heavier, yet filled with a tranquil power. Yuxian smiled faintly. "This sword... is more than just a weapon."

In the silence of the night, only the sound of his heartbeat could be heard, beating in sync with the sword's pulse—an undeniable connection, deeper than that of a mere wielder and his blade.

The Next Morning

As the first rays of sunlight emerged from the eastern horizon, their golden glow seeped through Yuxian's window, gently illuminating his serene face in meditation. Slowly, he opened his eyes, his sharp gaze piercing through the stillness of the morning. The crisp air filled the room as he stood up, stretching his body, which felt lighter after a night of cultivation.

With steady steps, he walked outside, passing through the dew-laden courtyard. Birds chirped in the nearby trees, yet Yuxian's thoughts remained focused on one thing—information.

"I wonder what kind of fortune awaits me today," he muttered softly, as if speaking to himself.

The city was already waking up. Merchants were setting up their stalls, and residents bustled along the cobblestone streets. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, enticing empty stomachs. Yuxian walked calmly toward the city center, his sharp eyes scanning every corner, every conversation that might hold a clue.

Eventually, he arrived at a modest yet bustling restaurant. A wooden sign above the entrance read "Thousand Flavors Restaurant," and the rich aroma of broth tempted every passerby. Yuxian stepped inside, choosing a corner table where he could observe without drawing attention.

A waiter approached with a friendly smile. "Good morning, sir. What can I get for you?"

"Hot tea and a bowl of beef noodles," Yuxian answered briefly, his gaze continuing to sweep across the room, studying everyone inside.

The restaurant buzzed with chatter from merchants and adventurers. Yuxian caught whispers of ancient ruins discovered outside the city, rumors of sects making unusual movements, and hushed talks about a mysterious cultivator who had won an auction for an ancient sword.

When his food arrived, Yuxian sipped his tea slowly, his mind working rapidly to process the information he had gathered. He knew that every clue could be the key to his next move.

Once he finished his meal, Yuxian paid and left the restaurant, his steps steady as he walked toward the unknown fate ahead—his mind filled with strategy, his heart prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Preparing for the Unknown

Standing at the edge of the bustling city street, Yuxian focused on the storage ring hanging from his finger. Within seconds, the ring activated, and with a swift motion, he retrieved a long black robe neatly folded inside. The robe appeared ordinary, yet its intricate design radiated a mysterious aura. He donned it with practiced ease, adjusting its flowing edges.

Next, he pulled out a mask—one different from the ones he usually wore. The right side of the mask was blood-red, symbolizing power and wrath, while the left side was deep purple, embodying the depth of mystery and the silence of the night. Its fearsome shape resembled the face of a demon, ready to destroy anything in its path.

Adjusting the mask in front of a small mirror, Yuxian observed his own reflection. Something inside him stirred—perhaps because of the mask, or perhaps due to the brewing tension in the air. There was no hesitation in his gaze. He was ready for whatever was to come.

His footsteps were steady, but within, he felt an inevitable tension. Last night, beneath the surface of idle words, he had already sensed that something significant was unfolding. Now, it was time to follow the path that had been laid before him.

A wooden door, dark as night, creaked open with a soft sound. The golden sunlight, just rising over the horizon, cast its warm glow upon his masked face, bringing with it the crisp morning air. As Yuxian stepped outside, his eyes locked onto a hurried crowd moving along the main road. Dozens of disciples, clad in training robes, and several elders were rushing forward with anxious expressions, heading toward an unknown destination.

Yuxian's instincts flared. Something was wrong. This was far beyond their usual training routines.

Without hesitation, Yuxian retrieved the ancient sword he had carefully guarded all this time. It gleamed faintly, radiating an aura that words could not describe. This was no ordinary weapon—it was an artifact that only those who truly understood the highest forms of martial arts could wield.

With a graceful motion, he channeled his spiritual energy into the sword, activating its flight ability.

The blade hovered in the air, emanating a soft glow—strong enough to pierce through the morning sky. Yuxian extended his hand, grasping the sword's hilt while maintaining precise control over its speed and direction.

He followed the disciples and elders cautiously, keeping a safe distance to remain undetected. His honed divine sense spread outward, merging with the air around him. Through this aura, Yuxian could feel every ripple of energy, detecting hidden dangers—even those lurking in the shadows.

A strange sensation crept over him, as if something was watching from afar. Every step forward heightened his awareness.

The disciples and elders quickened their pace, moving farther away from the city center, heading toward unfamiliar territory.