286 Mengmei (1/2)
”That's good!”
The Black Roc Beast, with its black feathers and plump body, gave a genial smile that carried a hint of arrogance.
”Currently, my Black Roc Inn has 19 guests and 36 servants. After I receive 3 other dream masters and their servants, we will set off and arrive in the Middle Region...of course, dear guest, you are a dream master and we will arrange for you to stay in the Tianpin Room!”
”Servants?”
Fang Yuan found it mildly strange.
”Of course... not every dream master is alone like you are. In this day and age, the dream masters trained by the influential clans, even the ones of a lower level, set off on their journeys with at least a few spiritual knights.”
Black Roc scoffed.
”Some even have large harems that serve them wherever they go. These people merely rely on their wealth to get by, and they actually hope to achieve great things, hmph…”
Its tone was contemptuous as if it favoured Fang Yuan, a lone cultivator, over the rest of them.
Fang Yuan gave a wry smile as he listened.
It was not that he had nobly decided to go at it alone. His situation had more to do with his foundations being too weak and inability to source for manpower.
Of course, to others, a dream master at the Illusionary Divine stage without followers was a person who had clearly decided to wholeheartedly pursue enlightenment.
Without another word, Fang Yuan went straight to his room and saw that it was spacious and well-tidied. There was a sleeping quarter, a living area and even a meditation corner.
Of course, there was no kitchen.
After all, it was high up in the air, and there were restrictions. Still, there was a common kitchen with a full-time cook.
If the customers were dissatisfied, they could book the kitchen for their own use. The service was indeed rather comprehensive.
”If Huo Qing could be considered a solo journeyman, then the Black Roc is exaggerating slightly..who knows, he might actually achieve something given time…”
Fang Yuan opened up the windows and stared out into the strong winds and blue skies of the world outside, deep in thought.
...
With the darkening of the skies came dinner time.
Most of the dream masters preferred peace and silence and rarely took their meals in the inn's common dining hall. They had their meals sent to them in their rooms where they could frolic about with their concubines and live like gods.
Fang Yuan did not have such a capacity and therefore, ordered a meal in the hall.
The dishes were served quickly by the waiters, who were also cultivators who had obtained elemental force. They were most likely followers of the Black Roc and they seemed completely content with carrying out their menial tasks.
”Dear guest, the served meals are complimentary, free of charge. Of course...if you want more food, you can inform our chefs, or send your servants to the kitchen to prepare the food. For this, we will charge a fee!”
This servant looked to be in his thirties. However, the Wu Zongs would tend to look much younger than their actual age, and Fang Yuan placed his estimate closer to sixty years old. The articulate servant had a white towel draped over his shoulder. He was probably a runner.
”No need, this is more than enough!”
Fang Yuan nodded his head and dismissed him.
The occupants of the dining hall were few, and Fang Yuan picked a corner where he could dine in peace.
The meal was extremely sumptuous and consisted of three dishes and a soup. It was chicken soup which was rich and fragrant and it whetted the appetite. Just one taste and Fang Yuan immediately knew that the chicken in question was fed with spiritual rice. It was truly special.
The other three dishes were: mushrooms and greens, meat slices and a stir-fried mix. They were all fantastic. The chef responsible for this meal was definitely better than the cook he had recruited in the Da Yuan mainland. Fang Yuan helped himself to more servings of food eagerly.
”The rice used is the Cloudy Pearl Rice, which can be considered a luxury good. However, the quality is still somewhat lacking in comparison to the Yellow Grain Rice..”
After he had his fill, Fang Yuan rubbed his tummy and sighed contentedly.
At this time, a gentle voice floated in.
”The Yellow Grain Rice is a top-grade spiritual good and is extremely beneficial to us dream masters. The plant only grows under harsh conditions and is a rare find in the territories controlled by the 5 powerful organisations. Only the Da Qian aristocrats are capable of supplying Yellow Grain Rice in bulk. But to me, this is the most improbable method to acquire the rice!”
Fang Yuan turned around and noticed a beautiful young lady in robes of lotus-green. She looked like she was of noble birth, and blushed when she met his gaze.
”Thank you for your explanation! I am Fang Yuan, may I have your name?”
”I am Liu Mengmei, a member of the Liu Clan in the Middle Region...”
Liu Mengmei had a very sweet-tempered outlook and her manner of speech was demure.
”I see!”
As a traveller, Fang Yuan was unwilling to engage a stranger in anything beyond casual conversation and toasted her before turning around to leave.
He had to concur that the wine served by the inn was of good quality; it was clear and smooth on the throat. Fang Yuan was beginning to feel tipsy after only a few cups.
Fang Yuan was not a hardcore drinker and this amount of alcohol was just right. Fang Yuan thus walked back to his room.
Liu Mengmei watched on as Fang Yuan's silhouette faded into the distance. With a smile on her lips, she retired to her room as well.
”Divine Lady!”
Two female servants in green were already waiting in the room and bowed in greeting as Liu Mengmei entered.
”Mm, that person is indeed heading towards the Middle Region. Our preparations seemed to have paid off...”
Liu Mengmei continued on after a pause.
”It is just that he is extremely guarded. It will be difficult to get close to him. Not to mention that this place is under the protection of Black Roc, and taking action here will break his rules! Set up the Nine Lotus Divine Lantern Soul-infusing Array! I will take him on in the dream world!”
”Yes my Lady!”
The two female servants bowed out of the room and began with their preparations.