Tripod Tower

Dragon Feng City—one of the largest cities in the eastern region—buzzed with life.

Located near the vast and mysterious Dragon Burial Mountain Range, it served as a critical hub for adventurers, beast hunters, and cultivators alike. The city thrived on danger and opportunity, thanks to the treasures and spirit beasts hidden deep within the mountain's forbidden depths. Rich merchants, rogue cultivators, sect disciples, and empire scouts all passed through.

And today, Luo Yang walked through its wide, stone-paved streets for the first time.

His eyes sparkled with quiet awe. "This is a frontier city," he murmured. "Just a corner of the cultivation world. And it already feels more glorious than the capital cities of Earth."

The buildings towered overhead, lined with jade-colored tiles and dragon-themed ornaments. Spirit beasts were being sold at corners. Warriors with swords strapped to their backs moved with pride. Alchemists, talisman sellers, and street performers filled the air with incense, fire, and song.

Yet Luo Yang didn't stop to gawk. His destination was clear: Tripod Tower.

It stood ahead like a golden sentinel—three stories tall, shaped like a massive triangular tripod, with gleaming golden bricks and crimson pillars carved with flame motifs. 

"This place puts five-star hotels on Earth to shame," Luo Yang thought as he admired the building's luxurious front.

Despite its grandeur, Tripod Tower wasn't some exclusive noble hall. It was a favorite gathering spot for warriors and travelers, known for both its rare beast dishes.

The moment he stepped inside the wide-open front gate, warm aromas and chatter washed over him.

The first floor was already lively.

Cultivators in battle robes and leather armor occupied most of the tables. Some laughed loudly with drinks in hand, others spoke in hushed tones over maps and beast cores. A few even wore sect insignias, displaying their pride openly.

But Luo Yang paid them no mind. He didn't head to the second or third floors—reserved for elites and high-paying guests. Instead, he quietly moved to a small open seat near the corner window, where the sunlight spilled in, illuminating the street outside.

His calm presence, striking features, and noble-looking robes didn't go unnoticed. A few glances turned his way—some curious, others envious. He had the look of a young master, but he lacked the typical arrogance they were used to seeing.

Soon enough, a waiter approached, bowing politely.

"Esteemed guest, welcome to Tripod Tower. May I recommend today's specials? Roasted Flame Rabbit with Golden Leaf Wine is very popular today."

Luo Yang smiled faintly. "Bring me that, and something light to drink. I'm just here to observe."

"Right away, young master."

The waiter returned shortly, carrying a lacquered wooden tray carved with golden spirit runes. He placed it gently on Luo Yang's table and bowed with a practiced smile.

"Roasted Flame Rabbit glazed with Red Lotus Pepper Sauce, accompanied by a chilled jug of Golden Leaf Wine. Please enjoy, young master."

Luo Yang's eyes widened slightly as the aroma hit him.

The Flame Rabbit was seared to perfection, its skin glistening with a thin layer of ruby-red glaze that shimmered faintly with qi. Wisps of fragrant steam rose from the meat, carrying a sweet, smoky scent mixed with a fiery spice that tickled his nose. Thin slices of jade spirit herbs had been sprinkled across the dish, glowing faintly .

The outer layer crackled lightly as he cut into it, revealing tender, juicy meat inside—soft as silk, yet brimming with contained heat.

As he took his first bite, a burst of flavor exploded in his mouth.

The meat was succulent, infused with the natural fire essence of the rabbit. The Red Lotus Pepper Sauce added a bold kick—spicy, perfectly balanced by the herbal sweetness of the glaze. It was unlike anything he had tasted on Earth.

His meridians felt subtly warm, as if a gentle wave of heat had passed through him, loosening tension and helping his qi move more freely.

Then he sipped the Golden Leaf Wine—a translucent amber liquid that shimmered faintly under the light. Cool and refreshing, with the taste of crisp mountain fruits and a lingering trace of spiritual mist, it soothed the fiery sensation from the food like a perfect harmony of yin and yang.

"This…" Luo Yang's eyes narrowed in appreciation. "This is one of the favourite side of cultivation world, beast meat with top flavour."

"Not bad, right?" the system chimed in. "This is just begining as you will see there are many things that you can not enjoy in your world even if you have money."

Luo Yang leaned back, letting the warmth spread through his body as he took another bite. The food here wasn't just for pleasure. It was an experience—a hidden method of cultivation in every chew and swallow.

Luo Yang gave a soft chuckle and poured himself another drink.

In the chaos of Dragon Feng City, with all its warriors and hidden dangers, he had found a brief moment of peace.