Proofreader & Editor : Howard Wong
"A tavern?" Zhang Fuguang asked in surprise, "Do you also brew wine?"
"Yes," Li Changqing, not particularly fond of alcohol himself, had a father-in-law in his previous life who owned a small distillery. Li Changqing had helped out for a time and thus understood the basic processes.
Before staying with the Yan family, Li Changqing had experimented with making some wine, which he kept in his Acceptance of Rings.
He also stored some homemade food there.
Moreover, the alcohol in the Cangyuan Realm generally had a lower alcohol content, similar to ancient wines. Li Changqing planned to try brewing some high-proof spirits, anticipating that some would enjoy them.
Li Changqing had intended to share a jar of wine with Zhang Fuguang, but a glance at his ring reminded him of the corpse of the Blood Shadow Sect assassin he had killed the day before, still inside.
The assassin's body yielded nothing of value.
"Sigh, your line of work is tough," Li Changqing remarked, then casually buried the body in the backyard.
***
A few days later…
In Zi Wu City, in a lane called Tonghua Alley, a modest tavern named Changqing Tavern quietly opened. There was no fanfare at its launch.
A flag was hung outside the tavern, marking its silent opening. The small establishment was neat, with six tables.
Several plaques hung on the wall, listing a few dishes.
Also highlighted were Changqing Tavern's signature wines.
One was called Peach Blossom Brew.
The other, Shao Dao Zi.
Both were high-proof spirits, yet their flavors were distinct. After Li Changqing brewed them, he had Zhang Fuguang taste them.
The Peach Blossom Brew was imbued with a peach blossom fragrance, exceptionally aromatic and smooth, giving a feeling akin to basking in spring breeze.
Shao Dao Zi was different; stronger, with a sharp, spicy sensation that shot straight to the brain, evoking a feeling of a knife's edge!
Despite this, it was exhilarating!
Both wines were unique, leaving Zhang Fuguang astounded. These were the best he'd ever tasted!
The strongest liquor he'd previously drunk paled in comparison to these two.
Li Changqing noted this was normal, as both wines were over fifty degrees.
The few dishes hanging in the tavern were simple cold dishes.
– Exploded peanuts.
– Smashed cucumbers.
– Tiger pepper preserved eggs.
– Sauced beef.
These were all simple dishes, and the preserved eggs were prepared by Li Changqing while with the Yan family for his own consumption. Now, he brought them to the tavern to sell.
Preserved eggs were unknown in the Cangyuan Realm.
Zhang Fuguang, curious about the dish, tried one and nearly vomited.
He found the taste hard to accept.
Zhang Fuguang outright said no one would eat them.
But when Li Changqing prepared tiger skin peppers with sliced preserved eggs and a vinegar-based sauce, the dish transformed utterly.
Zhang Fuguang was amazed.
The rain drizzled on.
Pattering steadily, Zi Wu City quieted down.
Li Changqing, with time to spare, sat at the entrance, counting days until Li Hengsheng's arrival at Zhenguo Mansion.
A few days prior, Li Changqing had written a letter.
One was sent to the Great Yuan Dynasty, addressed to Yuan Wudi.
It was written as Qinglian Sword Sovereign, hoping Yuan Wudi would ensure the disciples stationed at Zhenguo Mansion took good care of Li Hengsheng.
Another letter was for Zhang Muzhi.
But, considering he was already in North Cold Country, Li Changqing decided to visit in person.
However, upon reaching the imperial city, he found Zhang Muzhi in seclusion.
Having not met Zhang Muzhi, Li Changqing returned.
The other disciple stationed at Zhenguo Mansion was from the Shao family, whom Li Changqing didn't know well. The Shao family hadn't participated in the Ghost Devil trials.
"Mr. Li Changqing," Zhang Fuguang approached amidst the rain, "We've been open for three days, but no one has come."
"Is this place too remote?"
"It's peaceful with no one around," Li Changqing smiled, "I'm not expecting much profit anyway."
"True enough," Zhang Fuguang nodded.
The raindrops fell, creating a serene atmosphere.
Li Changqing, sitting in a small wicker chair, seemed lost in thought.
By noon, the rain continued, and Tonghua Alley remained empty.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached.
A burly man ran towards the tavern, his face etched with panic. Spotting Changqing Tavern, he darted inside.
"Silence, or I'll kill you!" he warned Zhang Fuguang and Li Changqing, then hid under a table.
Zhang Fuguang looked at the man, then at Li Changqing, who remained silent, listening to the rain.
Since Li Changqing didn't speak, Zhang Fuguang didn't interfere.
"All who come are guests; there's no reason to drive them away," Li Changqing told Zhang Fuguang.
As he finished, more footsteps echoed in the alley.
Five soldiers appeared at the tavern's entrance, wearing armor and raincoats, their eyes scanning the interior.
They were pursuing a flower thief who vanished into the alley.
"Welcome," Li Changqing greeted with a smile.
"It's you?"
The captain, recognizing Li Changqing and Zhang Fuguang, exclaimed, "Is this your tavern?"
He was the same captain who accused Zhang Fuguang of murder a few days ago.
"What a coincidence," Li Changqing nodded, "Yes, I own it."
"Hmm," the captain nodded, "Did you see a burly man run in here?"
"He's hiding under that table," Li Changqing nodded towards the spot.
The burly man, Peng Ning, burst out in anger, glaring at Li Changqing, "You're seeking death!"
"Peng Ning, you can't escape!" The captain shouted.
Peng Ning moved swiftly, taking Li Changqing hostage with a knife to his throat.
"Back off! Or he dies," Peng Ning roared.
The soldiers froze, cautious not to provoke him. They were responsible for city peace, and with a hostage, they dared not act rashly.
Tension filled the air.
Zhang Fuguang yawned, unimpressed.
"Look at the wall," Li Changqing pointed.
Peng Ning, following his gaze, saw a paper with several rules.
The first: No disturbances allowed in Changqing Tavern; violators will be permanently banned.
Peng Ning sneered, "Have you lost your mind? Don't you understand your situation?"
As Peng Ning spoke, Li Changqing touched the blade on his neck, and the knife broke with a clear sound, flying out the door and sticking in the alley wall.
Peng Ning was stunned.
In the next moment, a force flung him out!
Peng Ning fell into the rain, screaming in pain – both his arms were broken!
The soldiers were equally shocked. Peng Ning, a notorious flower thief and strong Postnatal Realm expert, was easily thrown out by Li Changqing.
"Arrest him!"
The captain ordered.
The soldiers quickly restrained Peng Ning.
"At last, caught," the captain sighed in relief, then thanked Li Changqing, "Thanks to you, senior. This thief has harmed many young men in the city. We struggled to catch him, but now he's finally trapped. Thank you."
"Hmm, no problem… Wait." Li Changqing paused, "Harmed young men?"
"Young men, yes," the captain confirmed, "He targeted men specifically."
Li Changqing shuddered, his gaze towards Peng Ning changing.
Peng Ning glared back, "Today, I fell into your hands, but wait. One day, when I'm free, you'll be my first target!"
Li Changqing internally cursed, wishing he could slaughter him now.
Zhang Fuguang, witnessing this for the first time, found it somewhat amusing.
"Why are you laughing? When I'm out, you're next!" Peng Ning coldly threatened Zhang Fuguang.
Zhang Fuguang was taken aback.
How does this involve me?
"Shut up!"
The captain punched him.
"What's your name?" Li Changqing asked the captain.
"I'm Xiao Luo," the captain introduced.
"Li Changqing," Li Changqing returned the introduction.
"Thanks for today. We'll be off," Xiao Luo thanked them, then left with his men.
Li Changqing watched Peng Ning being taken away.
"Fuguang."
"Sir?"
"Tonight, take care of this. Let him die in prison."
"I intended to."
The two concurred.
Being targeted by such a person was more repulsive than the Blood Shadow Sect's attention.
Though Peng Ning's cultivation was weak and posed no threat to Li Changqing or Zhang Fuguang, the thought of being a target for a same-sex flower thief was deeply unsettling.
That night, Zhang Fuguang went out and killed Peng Ning in prison, then quietly left.
***
By noon the next day, the weather had improved.
Xiao Luo and his men returned to Changqing Tavern.
"Senior Changqing," Xiao Luo greeted respectfully.
"Just call me Mr. Li; I'm just a tavern owner," Li Changqing wasn't used to the title.
"Then, Mr. Li," Xiao Luo said, "Yesterday was rushed. Today, I wanted to bring my brothers to drink, and your tavern seemed the perfect place to taste your wine."
"Please, come in."
Li Changqing led them inside and seated them.
"Mr. Li may not know, but Peng Ning, the flower thief we caught yesterday, was killed in prison."
Xiao Luo informed him.
"Oh? Is that so?" Li Changqing feigned surprise.
"The killer didn't leave a single clue. If Mr. Changqing knows anything, we hope you won't hesitate to inform us." Xiao Luo felt this matter might be related to Li Changqing, but without any evidence or deep understanding of him, he couldn't be certain.
"Of course, if I know anything, I will definitely inform Captain Xiao," Li Changqing said with a smile. "What would you like to drink? We have excellent peach blossom wine and strong spirit."
"Captain, let's drink the strong spirit. That peach blossom wine sounds like it's for ladies," one bearded man commented.
"The strong spirit might be a bit too harsh," Li Changqing warned.
"Ha ha, that's the spirit! What's the point of drinking if it's not strong?" the bearded man laughed heartily.
"And for the appetizers, you only have four kinds? Let's have one of each," another slightly thinner team member suggested.
"Just a moment."
Li Changqing said and went to prepare the appetizers.
Meanwhile, Zhang Fuguang helped with pouring the drinks.
Soon, the drinks were served. Li Changqing provided bowls instead of cups, as this kind of liquor was best enjoyed in large quantities.
"Fill it up, fill it up."
The bearded man, clearly impatient, urged eagerly, revealing his love for drinking.
Zhang Fuguang filled everyone's bowls with liquor.
Instantly, the strong aroma of the alcohol hit them, captivating everyone with its intensity.
Just smelling it felt overpoweringly rich!
The bearded man couldn't wait and took a large gulp!
He almost spat it out!
The liquor felt like a wild horse galloping in his mouth, as if an army was charging down his throat.
Such a sensation soared to the skies!
This was nothing like the liquor he was used to!
His face turned red in an instant.
The others were equally shocked, but their faces showed more amazement.
"Great liquor!" exclaimed the bearded man.
"This is what real men should drink!" another soldier added, equally stunned.
Even Xiao Luo couldn't believe how extraordinary the liquor was.
Before the appetizers even arrived, they had already finished a jar.
Soon, they asked for another.
Initially, they thought five silver coins per jar was expensive, but after tasting it, they felt it was well worth it.
Shortly after, Li Changqing brought the appetizers.
The other dishes were fine, but the marinated century eggs were something they had never tasted before. After trying them, they fell in love with its texture and unique flavor. The dish, with its spicy tiger skin peppers, perfectly complemented the intense liquor!
It was a match made in heaven.
They felt like they had discovered a hidden gem of a tavern.
After downing three jars, everyone started to feel tipsy.
The bearded man couldn't believe it; he usually drank six or seven jars without issue, yet the four of them were buzzed after just three.
"Such fine liquor," the bearded man commented, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"Sir, let me take two jars with me," he asked Li Changqing.
However, Li Changqing shook his head, pointing to a sign on the wall, "Our Changqing Tavern has a rule: dine-in only, no takeaways."
"What?"
"Sir, please sell me two jars?" the bearded man pleaded, somewhat dejected.
"Rules are rules. You can't take it away. If you want to drink, you have to come here," Li Changqing said firmly, not budging an inch.
Li Changqing knew his liquor would be popular, but if it was available for takeaway, he'd never have enough to meet demand. He didn't aim to make money from it, so takeaways were strictly prohibited.
"Sir has his rules, don't break them, or he might throw you out," Xiao Luo joked.
The bearded man shuddered at the reminder.
Indeed, the scene of Li Changqing throwing Peng Ning out was still vivid in his mind.
Peng Ning was at the peak of the Postnatal Realm.
This mysterious tavern owner might well be a master of the Innate Realm.
In the days that followed, Xiao Luo and his team frequented Changqing Tavern.
Not just them, their friends also became regulars after being brought here once. The tavern's business flourished.
Meanwhile, Li Changqing heard various kinds of information from them.
In the blink of an eye, more than ten days passed.
According to Li Changqing's calculations, Li Hengsheng should be arriving at Zhenguo Mansion soon.
"Have you heard?"
"The Inspector of White Snake Path at Zhenguo Mansion was transferred to Black Tiger Pool," someone in the tavern mentioned, catching Li Changqing's attention.
"White Snake Path?"
Another person expressed surprise, "Isn't that the most chaotic place, previously under the control of North Cold Country? Black Tiger Pool used to be guarded by disciples from Dao Mountain Ancient Land, right? I heard Black Tiger Pool had good public order. Why the sudden change of Inspector?"
"That's normal."
"The Governor of Zhenguo Mansion is from North Cold Country. The former Inspector of White Snake Path was the son of a third-rank official from North Cold Country. With some backdoor maneuvering, he was naturally transferred to a better place, while the former Inspector from Dao Mountain Ancient Land was replaced and assigned to the chaotic White Snake Path."
Someone explained.
"That's tough. White Snake Path is too disorderly. Previously, due to the Inspector being from North Cold Country, the local forces gave some face. Now that it's a disciple from Dao Mountain Ancient Land, it might be hard to manage. But if he's strong, he might make a difference."
"How strong? I heard it's a disciple in the Postnatal Realm. I wonder what mistake he made to be banished here. It looks like he'll meet a terrible end!"