Chapter 29: A Feast

The journey to the nearby town was smooth, with the morning sun shining down on them as they walked along the well-trodden dirt road. The town itself was situated between the sect and their destination—the village they were supposed to visit for their mission. Since the village was farther away, they decided to stop by the town first to have a proper meal before continuing their journey.

As they approached the town's entrance, a sturdy wooden gate stood tall, flanked by two guards clad in simple armor. The guards eyed them as they approached, but the moment they noticed their robes, their expressions shifted.

With a respectful nod, the guards stepped aside, allowing them passage without question.

Jiang Hao, who had been watching the scene, let out a deep sigh. "Tsk. When I first arrived here, they didn't even bat an eye at me. I was just another random kid, like dust in the air. Now they bow as if we're nobles."

Wei Ren glanced at him and replied calmly, "In this world, strength is respected."

Jiang Hao scoffed. "More like feared."

Before the mood could sink too much, Liu Feng clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough about that! I know a restaurant here. Before I joined the sect, I had a meal there, and let me tell you—it was amazing. I'll take you there."

Jiang Hao instantly perked up. "Now that's something I like to hear."

—

The town was lively and bustling with activity. Narrow stone streets wove between tightly packed buildings, with shops and stalls lining both sides. Merchants loudly advertised their goods—exotic spices, freshly baked bread, shimmering fabrics, and all sorts of trinkets. The air was thick with the scent of roasting meat and sweet pastries, making Jiang Hao's stomach growl audibly.

People of all kinds filled the streets—traders, commoners, and even some cultivators from smaller sects, distinguishable by their different robes. Conversations overlapped, creating a constant murmur of chatter, bargaining, and laughter.

Adrian took in the sight quietly. It was the first time he had properly experienced a place like this since leaving his clan. Unlike the rigid and disciplined atmosphere of the sect, the town was full of life and unpredictability.

After weaving through the busy streets, Liu Feng finally led them to a two-story restaurant with a wooden sign hanging outside, displaying the name "The Golden Rooster." The scent of sizzling meat and fragrant spices wafted out, making their appetites grow even stronger.

"This is the place," Liu Feng said proudly.

They stepped inside, where the warm glow of lanterns illuminated polished wooden tables and neatly arranged chairs. The main hall was filled with people chatting over their meals, but Liu Feng led them straight toward the back.

"We should take a private room," Wei Ren suggested as they reached the counter.

Jiang Hao raised a brow. "A private room? You do realize we don't have that much money, right? We were only allowed to bring a little when we left for the sect."

Wei Ren simply shrugged. "Don't worry, I've got it covered."

The others turned to him in surprise.

Jiang Hao smirked. "Wow, looks like we've got a rich guy among us."

Liu Feng laughed. "I knew you were hiding something. So, tell us, Young Master Wei, just how deep are your pockets?"

Wei Ren sighed. "You guys are making a big deal out of nothing. Let's just eat."

Still grinning, they followed him into the private lounge, where they settled into their seats.

The feast was about to begin.

The tea was served first, its warm aroma filling the private lounge as they poured it into their cups. It was a moment of quiet relaxation before the food arrived. Soon, dish after dish was brought in—steamed buns filled with fragrant meat, sizzling platters of stir-fried vegetables, glazed ribs that glistened under the lantern light, and bowls of hot soup that gave off a rich, savory scent.

As they began eating, their conversation naturally shifted from idle chatter to something more personal.

Wei Ren leaned back slightly and took a sip of his tea. "It feels strange, doesn't it? Just a few months ago, we were all in different places, living completely different lives. And now, we're here, sharing a meal as fellow disciples of the same sect."

Liu Feng chuckled. "Yeah, I remember how eager I was to leave home and step into the world of cultivation. I imagined all sorts of grand adventures."

Jiang Hao smirked. "Excited? More like desperate in my case." He set down his chopsticks and looked at them. "I come from a commoner family, nothing fancy. Just me, my parents, and my little sister. The sect was my only real chance to change my life."

He paused for a moment, his fingers tapping against the wooden table. "We had to travel a long way to even reach the sect. My parents spent everything they had to book a carriage, just so I could have a proper journey there. When they found out I had talent and was accepted… they cried. Tears of joy, relief, maybe both."

A silence fell between them for a second before Liu Feng patted his shoulder. "They must be proud of you."

Jiang Hao smirked. "I like to think so."

Liu Feng then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Well, my situation was different. My family isn't a noble clan, but we're well-off. We have wealth, businesses, connections… I had everything I needed growing up. But even with all of that, cultivation was something money couldn't buy. Talent, strength, determination—those things couldn't be handed to me on a silver platter."

He sighed. "My parents supported me, of course, but they didn't push me towards it. It was my choice. I wanted to see how far I could go."

They turned to Wei Ren next. He tapped his fingers on the table, his expression as composed as ever. "I'm from a noble clan," he admitted. "But unlike some noble families, mine isn't tied to a sect. That means we have status, but not absolute security. We have influence, but not dominance."

Jiang Hao raised a brow. "So, what's the difference between a noble family like yours and a clan connected to a sect?"

Wei Ren nodded slightly, as if expecting the question. "It's a big difference. A clan attached to a sect has immense advantages. They get protection from the sect, meaning no one dares to lay a hand on them. Their members are given priority when it comes to becoming disciples. If a war ever breaks out and the sect closes its gates, the clan is taken inside and sheltered."

Liu Feng added, "Not to mention, these clans always have a few cultivators who, after reaching a certain level but not being able to advance further, return to their clan to settle down. Their bloodline carries talent, and over generations, their descendants have a much higher chance of producing someone truly exceptional."

Jiang Hao nodded slowly. "So, it's basically a cycle. The sect gets talented disciples, and the clan gets protection and resources."

Wei Ren smirked. "Exactly."

Jiang Hao turned to Adrian and grinned. "So, what about you? Where are you from?"

Adrian calmly placed his teacup down and said, "The Eldenwood Clan."

Silence.

Jiang Hao blinked. "Wait… hold on. The Eldenwood Clan?"

Liu Feng's expression shifted. "Isn't that one of the high-ranking clans? The ones attached to a sect?"

Adrian shrugged. "I guess."

Jiang Hao whistled. "Well, well… looks like we've got a young master among us."

Adrian gave them a deadpan look. "Don't start."

The group laughed as the conversation continued, moving from their pasts to their goals, their struggles, and their thoughts on cultivation. The food slowly disappeared from the table as they talked, the plates empty and their stomachs full.

By the time the meal ended, the atmosphere had grown lighter. They had all come from different backgrounds, but in the end, they were on the same path now.

The feast was over, but their journey was just beginning.

__ __ __