Chương 53: Chapter 53: Are You an Outsider?
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Walking along the bustling commercial street of Suotuo City, with its various shops, a dazzling array of goods, and beautiful young ladies everywhere, Zeng Yi felt overwhelmed.
He could buy whatever he wanted, eat whatever he craved, and not worry about money. That's how Zeng Yi was living now. Window shopping? Not in his vocabulary.
After all, he was now receiving a monthly allowance from the Martial Soul Hall, a hundred Gold Soul Coins per month. The Martial Soul Hall's freebies were nothing to scoff at. While prices in Suotuo City were high, with his current income, he could indulge. He thought to himself, "Why not enjoy life a little?"
Although it might seem shameful to rely on an allowance, Zeng Yi also made extra money by participating in ranked battles at the Suotuo Great Soul Arena every night, earning ten Gold Coins per match. That added up to a tidy sum of three hundred Gold Coins a month, not an insignificant amount.
Eating well, drinking well, engaging in some physical activity at night, and practicing instead of sleeping, Zeng Yi's happiness was simple, unassuming, and mundane.
Walking down the street, Zeng Yi carried a paper bag filled with skewers, emanating the enticing aroma of grilled meat. He held a skewer in one hand, took a bite, then extended it toward Xiao Ju, who was perched on his shoulder. Xiao Ju gazed at the skewer with longing eyes, its tiny mouth wide open, taking a hearty bite.
"Mmm, this is beef, right? The flavor is indeed good, very savory and with a nice texture. But it's slightly overcooked, making the meat a bit tough. Perhaps they used too much seasoning, overpowering the natural flavor of the meat, which isn't ideal. And, the chili isn't spicy enough; even my homemade chili powder is better. I wonder how this shop managed to open a chain with these shortcomings." After swallowing the meat in his mouth, Zeng Yi offered his professional opinion.
Could a shop with this level of culinary skill really open a chain? Maybe I should consider opening one after reaching level 100 and becoming a Sword God!
"Although it's not as good as the grilled meat I make, we shouldn't waste it; after all, it's bought with money." Zeng Yi casually remarked as he took another bite of the skewer and then placed it in front of Xiao Ju.
"Xiao Ju, just make do with this for now. If we have a chance, we'll go hunt for some wild game."
Walking down the street, eating skewers and leisurely strolling, Zeng Yi occasionally looked around at the passing young ladies. Thanks to Xiao Ju, who was an adorable and charming companion, Zeng Yi's keen hearing allowed him to catch snippets of conversations about Xiao Ju. People then noticed Zeng Yi's handsome appearance and began evaluating him.
Ah, being good-looking is really a crime!
Zeng Yi couldn't help but feel a little self-indulgent.
After walking for a while, Zeng Yi noticed a shop up ahead and felt curious. The shop itself wasn't the main point; what surprised him was that the shop hadn't opened yet, but there was already a long line forming outside.
Why is this shop so popular? I have to check it out.
Thinking this, Zeng Yi quickened his pace and, upon approaching, his keen sense of smell detected a delightful fragrance—rich and enduring, like standing in a field of flowers.
This must be something special!
Zeng Yi thought, joining the crowd, which naturally formed a queue.
"Excuse me, what kind of shop is this, my friend?" Zeng Yi quietly asked the person in front of him, tapping his shoulder.
The person who was tapped on the shoulder turned around, surprised by Zeng Yi's question.
Indeed, Zeng Yi could tell from his astonished expression.
"Friend, are you not from around here?" the person asked.
"Well... yes," Zeng Yi admitted. Why does everyone keep asking if I'm not a local? So what if I'm not? Suotuo City is so big, and even locals can't possibly know everything about it!
Being asked this question again was starting to annoy Zeng Yi.
"This shop sells something that's a specialty of our Suotuo City!"
Hearing this, Zeng Yi became interested and asked, "What is it?"
"Hundred Flowers Nectar!" the person said.
"Hundred Flowers Nectar? Is it a kind of beverage?"
"That's right! Hundred Flowers Nectar is no ordinary drink. It's one of those indescribable sensations—you take a small sip, and you can taste the fragrance of a hundred flowers. It's like being surrounded by a sea of flowers, with the scent filling the air, enchanting and intoxicating." The person explained, his face still reflecting the delight of tasting Hundred Flowers Nectar, clearly savoring the memory.
Is it really that amazing?
Seeing the person's rapturous expression, Zeng Yi couldn't help but quip inwardly.
Nevertheless, Zeng Yi was now quite interested in trying Hundred Flowers Nectar. As a food lover, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to taste such a delicacy.
"Hundred Flowers Nectar is sold to the public only once every seven days, and it has a limited quantity. I had to wait for over two months to have it once. And let me tell you, it's quite expensive. A single Gold Soul Coin gets you a small cup, and each person can buy only one small cup," the person continued, gesturing with his hand to demonstrate the cup's size.
"One Gold Coin for this little?" Zeng Yi was astonished when he saw the size of the cup the person had mimicked with his hand. One Gold Soul Coin for about twenty milliliters?
"That's right, just this much. But the taste is absolutely incredible! It's guaranteed to leave you wanting more. That's why so many people are queuing up for it," the person said, sighing as he glanced at the long line ahead. "There are still so many people in front; I hope they don't run out before it's my turn."
Zeng Yi also observed the line in front of him, estimating there were about sixty people. When he turned around, he noticed a long queue forming behind him.
Suotuo City sure has a lot of wealthy people! A drink that costs one Gold Coin for a small cup, and it's still considered a delicacy? The shop hasn't even opened, and there's already a long line.
But this indirectly indicates that Hundred Flowers Nectar indeed has an extraordinary appeal.
Thinking to himself, Zeng Yi began to look forward to the taste of Hundred Flowers Nectar.
After a while, the shop's doors opened, and the waiting crowd started getting noisy.
"Quiet! Anyone causing a disturbance will no longer be served the nectar."
A melodious hum sounded, and the noisy crowd fell silent. Zeng Yi found this quite surprising. Could this shop really have such an influence? Many of the people in line were dressed extravagantly, and they seemed to be nobles or wealthy individuals. The fact that the shop could silence them with a single command meant it had quite the background.
"Brother, does this shop have some significant background?" Zeng Yi asked the person in front of him in a low voice.
"Of course! This shop is owned by the daughter of our Suotuo City's lord, Miss Bai Yueqiong. Who dares to act recklessly here!" the person replied in a hushed tone.
"Rumor has it that Bai Miss's martial soul is used to brew Hundred Flowers Nectar. And every time it's sold, Miss Bai is present in the shop, attracting many young nobles and aristocrats who want to catch a glimpse of her beauty," the person explained.
"I see! So Miss Bai Yueqiong is the city lord's daughter! But when you say her beauty is extraordinary, what do you mean?"
"Absolutely, her appearance is like that of a celestial maiden." The person spoke with a dreamy expression, still savoring the memory of tasting the nectar.
Is that so! She's indeed the city lord's daughter, so her life should be quite comfortable. But she opened a shop in the city's streets to make money; that's an interesting person.
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