Martial Masters are all big eaters, each with a bigger appetite than the other.
Because of their vigorous energy and strong physique, they require more nutrition.
The foundation of martial arts actually lies in the word "eat."
Sheep eat grass, tigers eat meat.
Ordinary people eat grains and meat, but these Martial Masters not only eat more, but also need to eat better!
This medicinal cuisine is the regular meal for the disciples of those high-ranking sects.
For instance, the Yellow Ginseng Pigeon Soup that Gu Yuan had before is one of them, capable of replenishing Primordial Qi and strengthening the foundation and nourishing the essence.
It is said that some more advanced cultivators even eat Spirit Grain and Spirit Pill.
And some existences are even able to breathe in Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to become immortal!
These are what Gu Yuan read in a miscellaneous book.
The food, clothing, accommodation, and treatment that Yang Jianfei enjoys are obviously much better than those of Gu Yuan and the others.
"Damn it, we are swallowing chaff and eating vegetables, while this kid is living richly every day, what has he done to deserve it!"
Zhou Zhong tore off a piece of flatbread fiercely and chewed on it, as if he were biting Yang Jianfei’s flesh.
Gu Yuan found it somewhat amusing, but he could also understand why Zhou Zhong was so full of resentment.
People often worry not about scarcity but about inequality.
The same medicine gatherer, yet Xia Xiuxue is an exception, considering her father is the Pavilion Master of Jade Cauldron Tower and she is a woman with many inconveniences, so on this trip, her food, clothing, and accommodation are taken care of, and she enjoys better treatment without anyone daring to have any objections.
But Yang Jianfei is different.
He is merely a nephew of Yang Han and doesn’t have such strong backing as Xia Xiuxue does, yet he rides a horse while Gu Yuan and others exhaust themselves walking, and his treatment is way better, making him arrogant and dismissive of Gu Yuan and Zhou Zhong, provoking Zhou Zhong deliberately several times.
How could Zhou Zhong possibly accept this?
Even Gu Yuan has quite a few complaints about this fellow but hasn’t shown it.
Gu Yuan gnawed on a pancake and glanced at Yang Jianfei, who was being very attentive to Xia Xiuxue, then his gaze shifted to a plain-looking middle-aged guard not far away, lingered for a moment, then quickly moved away.
These days, among the dozen guards, he discovered that one of them was somewhat abnormal.
To be precise, it was Ah Huang who occasionally discovered it.
Animals have a much higher perception in certain aspects than humans.
In the emotions conveyed by Ah Huang, Gu Yuan discovered a trace of fear towards this middle-aged guard.
This was very abnormal!
Ah Huang is an Iron-toothed Rat, a mutant rat that eats metal; even Yang Han could only evoke it a bit of fear.
To evoke fear means this guard feels more terrifying than Yang Han to Ah Huang!
Keep in mind, Yang Han had achieved great success in Bone Refining, is a Peak Martial Master, and is an expert in Beiliang County.
More terrifying than a Peak Martial Master, what does this signify?
Innate Martial Master?
Or some other reason?
Gu Yuan also suspected this person might have another identity, not necessarily arranged by Jade Cauldron Tower, but after observing several exchanges of glances between this mysterious guard and Yang Han, he rejected this hypothesis.
Upon discovering this, Gu Yuan was quite relieved at his foresight to bring out both Ah Huang and Ah Wu this time.
Otherwise, with only his current strength, facing danger, he might lack confidence.
Of course, Gu Yuan wasn’t foolish enough to reveal this discovery; he acted obliviously, doing what he should.
"Since there is a dangerous person hidden within the convoy, does this imply that Yang Han or Jade Cauldron Tower are guarding against some unknown danger?!"
At the thought of this, Gu Yuan felt somewhat uneasy.
His eyes flickered: "It seems, when we reach Cyan Willow Town tomorrow, I need to find a way to tame a snake."
Just now Zhou Zhong mentioned that there were many poisonous creatures and ferocious beasts near Cyan Willow Town.
Gu Yuan silently noted this, planning to see if he could find a suitable snake as a Spirit Pet in Cyan Willow Town.
Given the enormous danger in this mission, if he could tame a snake, gain its talent enhancement, he might strengthen his power further.
At the very least, having a snake to observe would definitely benefit his cultivation of the Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique and Spiritual Snake Swordsmanship.
If he could find a snake whose talents matched these two martial arts, the benefits would undoubtedly be greater!
After eating his fill, Gu Yuan found a spot within the makeshift straw shelter, hugged his long sword and bundle, and fell into a deep sleep.
Gu Yuan slept soundly and peacefully.
Because at this time, Ah Huang took advantage of the dark night to come by his side, hiding in his bundle.
Any disturbance, it would promptly alert him.
The night passed without incident.
By the afternoon of the next day, the merchant convoy finally arrived in Cyan Willow Town.
Then, led by the leader, it stopped in the backyard of an inn, with everyone exhausted from the long journey.
Even Xia Xiuxue felt the same; no matter how good a carriage is, it is ultimately not as stable as sleeping in an inn.
Everyone rested, and it quickly became evening.
"The convoy will set off at noon the day after tomorrow, so now you can leave the convoy to do whatever you need."
After meal, Yang Han waved his hand, indicating Gu Yuan, Zhou Zhong, and others to move freely:
"But make sure to return by the morning of the day after tomorrow, understood?"
"Rest assured, sir, we understand!"
Gu Yuan and the others responded in agreement.
Returning to the room arranged by the inn, Gu Yuan pondered:
"Yang Han deliberately sent Zhou Zhong, Guo Jin, and me away, he surely has something to do, which is not meant for us to see."
"It seems Yang Jianfei and Xia Xiuxue probably know something."
...
In the morning, after breakfast, just as Gu Yuan was about to go out, Zhou Zhong came over excitedly, with shining eyes:
"Brother Gu, I know a good place in town; guarantee you’d want to go back after the first visit. You’re young; surely you haven’t been there. Come on, I’ll show you!"
He winked at Gu Yuan; usually a rugged, slightly earnest face now looked somewhat sleazy and greasy.
...
Gu Yuan paused momentarily, directly waved to decline:
"Forget it; I have things to do. You should go yourself."
"You’re not going? Alright, I guarantee you’ll regret it."
Zhou Zhong slightly shook his head, suddenly froze, realizing something: "Wait, you know what I mean?"
Just kidding, back in the day I had a Cadillac, frequented every footbath and club in the city, how could I not know what you mean... Gu Yuan thought disdainfully, keeping a faux puzzled expression, asked: "Weren’t you inviting me for a drink?"
"Tsk! Drinking is nothing; what I mentioned is much more fun than drinking..."
At that moment, Xia Xiuxue walked by, her graceful figure spilling sweet fragrance wherever she passed.
Zhou Zhong’s voice abruptly stopped, acting composed: "Alright, I admit, I was planning to invite you for a drink, but since you are busy, never mind."
"No problem, we’ll do it next time."
Gu Yuan patted his shoulder: "Remember, old Zhou, you owe me a drink."
Ignoring Zhou Zhong’s surprise, he walked straight out of the inn.