Divine Emperor Demon Emperor

Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Qing Zhu Tavern

After hearing the news the three of them had gathered, Lin Yun let out a long sigh of relief. His parents were safe, and they were no longer under house arrest by the Royal Family.

According to their intel, a mysterious force had attacked the Southeast Domain, dealing a heavy blow to Yanhuang Country. Under immense pressure, Lin Xiaotian had been reinstated to his former post, personally leading the commanders of Iron Gate Pass to fight the enemy.

Lin Xiaotian was a valiant and brilliant commander who had single-handedly turned the tide of the war. With so many people pleading on his behalf, the Royal Family finally decided to lift the house arrest on him and his wife.

Now that his parents had returned to Iron Gate Pass, a great weight was lifted from Lin Yun’s shoulders. Though he knew they must be worried sick about him, Lin Yun understood that it was not yet time for a reunion.

As for longing, Lin Yun missed his parents dearly. Having lived two lives, he cherished familial bonds more than anyone. But for their safety, he had no choice but to be patient.

All in all, this was wonderful news. Elated, Lin Yun gathered the other three, ready to find a nice tavern and celebrate with a round of drinks.

Under Wangcai’s guidance, the four of them arrived at the Qing Zhu Tavern. It was a very famous establishment in the Capital City, built entirely from green bamboo.

From a distance, one could see a fence of green bamboo enclosing the Qing Zhu Tavern. At its center stood a three-story bamboo building, surrounded by dozens of smaller bamboo pavilions.

Even from a great distance, Lin Yun could smell the fresh fragrance of the bamboo. The scent alone was enough to soothe the soul; he could only imagine how pleasant it would be to dine here.

Lin Yun was very pleased with Wangcai’s choice. He loved places like this—so picturesque and poetic.

It wasn’t that Lin Yun was some kind of poet, but a place like this evoked a deep sense of peace. For someone like Lin Yun, who had fought his way through constant battles, it was undoubtedly a perfect sanctuary to rest and find tranquility.

They walked straight into the Qing Zhu Tavern. Judging by his demeanor, Wangcai was very familiar with the place. He had clearly been here many times before, as he even knew several of the maids by sight.

”Young Master Lin, coming here for the food is one thing, but Wangcai’s main reason for visiting is the owner,” Li Ji whispered in Lin Yun’s ear.

As a newcomer to the Capital City, Lin Yun was unfamiliar with its goings-on. But with Li Ji’s explanation, he began to understand.

The Qing Zhu Tavern wasn’t just known for its picturesque and poetic construction; its owner was also famous throughout the Capital City.

Hailed as one of the two great beauties of the Capital City, Qing Zhu was the tavern’s namesake. No one knew where she came from, but any man who laid eyes on her was instantly captivated by her beauty.

True to her name, Qing Zhu’s beauty was one of elegance, tranquility, and serene detachment from the world.

Never imagining the Qing Zhu Tavern had such a backstory, Lin Yun couldn’t help but ask, ”With a woman that beautiful, hasn’t any Noble Family’s Young Master tried to get funny ideas?”

Lin Yun’s question was perfectly reasonable. In his experience, these young masters from noble families were a lawless and immoral bunch. Their motto was practically ”What I see is what I get,” and their favorite saying was, ”Heaven is first, Earth is second, and I am third.”

”When the Qing Zhu Tavern first opened, plenty of young masters from noble families coveted Miss Qing Zhu’s beauty, of course,” Li Ji explained. ”But one time, a Noble Family’s Young Master got drunk and tried to make a move on her. He was beaten to death right on the spot. Afterward, his entire family was annihilated overnight. Even the Royal Family remained silent on the matter. After that incident, no one ever dared to cross Miss Qing Zhu again.”

’To be able to annihilate a Noble Family in the Capital City without any punishment from the Royal Family... This Qing Zhu’s background must be extraordinary.’

Wangcai, moving with practiced ease, led them to a bamboo pavilion. He was clearly in his element, casually ordering a few dishes and a pot of the tavern’s exclusive Cyan Wine.

Soon, a maid brought their food and wine. As she poured a cup for Lin Yun, his eyes were immediately captivated by the Cyan Wine.

The wine was actually green, as verdant as the bamboo itself.

”Young Master Lin, this Cyan Wine is brewed right here at the Qing Zhu Tavern,” Wangcai said proudly. ”Every table is limited to one bottle, so you have to savor it. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

Lin Yun was no drunkard, but he didn’t dislike wine, either. As a Martial Artist, how could one live a life of wandering the world, sword in hand, without the company of fine wine?

Just from the fresh fragrance wafting from the cup, Lin Yun knew this was a truly fine vintage.

He took a shallow sip. As the Cyan Wine passed his lips, a pure, fragrant essence diffused throughout his body. The wine wasn’t harsh in the slightest; on the contrary, it carried a rich, refreshing aroma.

Lin Yun drank his first sip with great elegance, but on his second, he drained the cup in one go.

Two completely different auras manifested around Lin Yun. With the first sip, he was like a refined gentleman, his scholarly elegance on full display. With the second, he transformed into a wild, unrestrained rogue, as if this fine vintage were nothing more than water to drown one’s sorrows.

Lost in the pleasure of the fine wine, Lin Yun was completely oblivious that on the Third Layer of the central bamboo building, a woman whose beauty was in no way inferior to Lu Bingning or Lan Xi was watching him.

The woman’s eyes seemed to hold a Magic Power; a single glance could bestow a feeling of tranquility, as if her mere presence could make the entire world peaceful and serene.

”What an interesting man,” she murmured. The beautiful woman summoned a maid and whispered a few words to her. The maid nodded and departed.

Of all this, Lin Yun was naturally none the wiser. By now, he and his companions were completely engrossed in the wine. Even Chen Xin, who rarely drank, had made an exception and had two cups.

”Cyan Wine... not bad. Fragrant and elegant, pure with a lingering scent. A truly fine wine, indeed. It’s just.........” Lin Yun remarked, draining another cup.

But before he could finish his sentence, a light, clear voice cut in, ”It’s just what?”

At the sound of the voice, all four of them turned. Upon seeing who had arrived, Wangcai and Li Ji were completely dumbstruck. A hopelessly smitten expression appeared on Wangcai’s face.

The newcomer was none other than the proprietor of the Qing Zhu Tavern, Miss Qing Zhu. She had taken a great interest in Lin Yun after seeing him from the bamboo building. Her intuition told her that he was someone who could help her—and, as it happened, Miss Qing Zhu’s intuition was famously accurate.

While Wangcai and Li Ji were stunned, Lin Yun was merely surprised by her aura. Having known women like Lu Bingning and Lan Xi, he was hardly going to be as dumbstruck as his two companions.

His expression unchanged, he replied, ”It’s just that this wine doesn’t suit me.”

Lin Yun answered evenly. Hearing his reply, a smile graced Qing Zhu’s face. Without asking for permission, she walked over to their table and sat down.

*(Author’s Note: Lin Yun is dirt poor right now and has no more Primordial Stones! On his behalf, Wufeng is throwing a tantrum on the floor, begging for recommendations, for follows, for everything!!)*