604 Like a Purgatory
Qin Huai and Zhang Daozi exchanged glances, their understanding of one another evident. Instead of heading directly to Lingkou Pass, which would consume unnecessary time, they decided to find a bustling restaurant in Qingzhou City.
Once renowned for its inner-city prosperity, the landscape now lay in ruins, a stark contrast to its former grandeur. Wilted trees, faded blossoms, and blood-tainted canals painted a grim picture. Nature and architecture seemed in decay, with wild creatures roaming freely.
As Qin Huai observed the malnourished cats and dogs darting in and out of shadows, he was taken aback. “Even these cats and dogs have such powerful vitality fluctuations?”
Considering the martial realm’s standards, these animals exhibited an energy signature akin to the blood refinement realm.
“Most likely, they consumed remnants discarded by the Sacred Heart followers,” Zhang Daozi deduced, “or they wouldn’t have survived here.”
Qingzhou City now seemed reminiscent of a morbid purgatory, devoid of life, its desolation stretching for miles. However, a distant commotion drew their attention.
A seemingly abandoned town housed a single illuminated restaurant. Upon approach, it became evident that its warm glow masked an eerie reality: skeleton heads with internally lit candles adorned the corners.
Stepping into the Red Treasure Meat restaurant, the trio found themselves under the intense scrutiny of its patrons. Eyes glowed with a strange luminescence, while salivating mouths betrayed their predatory intentions.
The trio unflinchingly took their seats at the sole vacant central table. Everything about this place, from its name to the wobbly furniture, was unsettling.
Feeling the need to break the tension, Zhang Daozi addressed a nearby waiter, “Are you not going to welcome your guests?”
Responding promptly, the waiter approached. “You two are new here, aren’t you? Are you aware of our establishment’s rules?”
He gave the pair a once-over, but it was Qin Huai that caught his prolonged attention. The man was undeniably attractive, and something about him stirred a sense of familiarity in the waiter, causing him to gulp involuntarily.
“I must admit my ignorance,” Zhang Daozi said, trying to maintain his composure.
The waiter’s grin widened, revealing a hint of mischief. “We offer two kinds of meals and one type of wine here. We serve Five Elements canned food and the Nine Revolutions Large Intestine.” He looked quite pleased with himself, and the surrounding patrons snickered maliciously.
“May I ask the ingredients of these… dishes?” Zhang Youji’s curiosity got the better of him.
Qin Huai stayed silent, merely observing.
Before the waiter could reply, a boisterous patron interjected, “The Five Elements canned meat is made of human body parts and the five core organs, seared atop clay tiles for that earthy aroma. Truly an authentic taste.” He chuckled. “And the Nine Revolutions Large Intestine? It’s made from the three-inch intestines of nine people. Each has its unique flavor, giving the dish its distinctive name.”
The color drained from Zhang Youji’s face. “You’re joking! How can you eat human flesh?”
The surrounding laughter grew louder.
“Such innocence! Must be his first time here,” someone jeered.
Another chimed in, “His nose bridge is slightly higher, so I knew they’re most likely from another province. These outsiders might have a unique taste to them.”
“I call dibs on the younger one!” another voice shouted unabashedly.
Feeling trapped, Zhang Youji desperately tried to redirect the conversation. “And the spirit flower wine? What’s that made from?”
“As martial artists, what comes to mind when you hear the word ‘spirit’?” The waiter’s voice dripped with malevolence.
“You don’t mean… the soul?” Zhang Youji whispered, eyes wide in horror.
The waiter leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, “How may I assist you with your order?”
The mood turned palpably hostile as patrons rose from their seats, surrounding the trio. Anyone could see their intentions were far from honorable.
“Do you not serve anything… conventional?” Qin Huai’s calm voice cut through the rising tension.
A burly man behind him scoffed. “Are you saying that we’re not normal people?” He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing ominously. The aura on his body fluctuated, and his might was faintly revealed. “Here, you either become the meal, or…”
His threat was interrupted by a new voice, diffusing the tense atmosphere momentarily. “Might we offer a more palatable alternative for our guests?”