Chapter 324 - Strict Hierarchy (1/2)
After Bocheng pulled out a badge that proved his status as an inner disciple of the Divine Storm Sect, the city guards let them in without a word.
Divine Storm City was the complete opposite of Bog Town.
While the latter was shrouded in a silent and oppressive atmosphere, Divine Storm City was prosperous and bustling with activity.
People were everywhere, and the crowded streets were filled with the constant sounds of haggling and laughter.
Shops opened by the sides enjoyed great business, and almost everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
On top of that, red banners could be seen hanging overhead, stretching across the street at regular intervals. Red lanterns hung from the banners, adding to the décor of the streets.
”These are all decorations done in preparation for the wedding,” Bocheng kindly explained to Nanlan Qianxue. ”Due to the preparations being done right now, I am unable to bring you back to the sect grounds to rest. But don't worry. I have already contacted the owner of an inn and arranged for separate rooms for you guys to put up at until the wedding.”
”Thank you for the help,” Nanlan Qianxue nodded.
”It is my pleasure,” Bocheng smiled. ”Follow me.”
”Sir Bocheng, what about the rental costs?” Lu Tianzi interjected all of a sudden.
Bocheng had mentioned earlier that some people were staying in tents outside the city because they could not afford the rental charges.
In that case, Lu Tianzi decided that it was best to make sure that he had enough beast cores to spare, just in case he ended up not having enough money to pay up in the end!
”It is an amount you will never be able to afford,” Bocheng snapped. ”But for the sake of Miss Qianxue, I will pay on your behalf.”
”I'm thankful for that,” Nanlan Qianxue flashed a grateful smile.
She could certainly tell that Bocheng's attitude towards her was a thousandfold better as compared to his attitude towards Lu Tianzi.
However, Nanlan Qianxue was no stranger to such preferential treatment, and did not feel the least awkward.
After all, she would not be losing anything because of this.
Seeing how Nanlan Qianxue was smiling back to Bocheng as though it was only natural, Lu Tianzi could not help but feel the corner of his lips twitch.
Since when had the cold Nanlan Qianxue become so friendly towards others?
It was obvious that she was just trying to rub it into his face!
Even so, there was nothing he could do about it.
All Lu Tianzi could do was to tag along quietly, eavesdropping while Bocheng enthusiastically introduced the various stalls to Nanlan Qianxue.
”I have already made arrangements with the Cloud Walkers Inn, but let's first have a meal at the Redstone Restaurant just beside it,” Bocheng explained. ”The Redstone Restaurant is known for its affordable yet unimaginably palatable cuisine. Be glad that you are with me, an inner disciple of the Divine Storm Sect. Otherwise, regular people like you would have to make a reservation months in advance if they want to dine there!”
The Redstone Restaurant was a five-storey high building. Each level was divided into separate sections by cloth curtains, turning them into something like individual rooms and giving customers a sense of privacy.
Bocheng led the way in confidently.
It was apparent that he was a regular here.
Even without taking out his identity badge, the shop attendants of the Redstone Restaurant was able to recognise him, bringing him straight to the upper levels.
Soon, the trio was settled down in a small room with a table full of dishes in front of them.
”Tuck in,” Bocheng gestured towards the food. ”We might have missed the feast prepared by the lord of Bog Town, but this is not too bad either.”
Lu Tianzi did not stand on ceremony.
It had already been more than a day since they had any decent food, so he was more than eager to enjoy the delicacies before him.
It was as Bocheng had said – these were delicacies indeed.
The taste of the food here could easily compare to those in the grand banquets that Lu Tianzi had been to, perhaps even surpassing those standards.
”How is it? Good, isn't it?” Bocheng asked with a smug smile on his face.
”This is really good!” Lu Tianzi praised.
”How is it, Miss Qianxue?” Bocheng decided to rephrase his question.
”It really is quite tasty,” Nanlan Qianxue could not help but snicker when she saw how Lu Tianzi was being ignored once again.
”Hahaha, isn't that right?” Bocheng laughed out loud. ”Please tuck in then! Eat as much as you want. If there is not enough, then we can just order some more. I am more than capable of footing the bill anyway!”
”Thank you, Sir Bocheng,” Nanlan Qianxue smiled.
Bocheng was dazed by the beautiful smile, but not for long.
At that moment, the cloth curtains were pulled open in a rough manner to reveal three young men who were dining in the adjacent room.
All of them were well dressed, especially one who had his hair tied up in a topknot.
”I knew it! I recognised that voice immediately!” the short young man one who pulled open the curtains laughed heartily.
”So it really is Brother Bocheng! Damn it, I lost the bet!” another with a scar across his forehead cursed.
”How extravagant, Brother Bocheng, actually telling your friends to eat as much as they want!” the short young man grinned. ”Since you are so rich, why don't you foot our bill as well?”
”Senior Apprentice Chengban!” Bocheng did not bother about the two who spoke, but stood up immediately upon seeing the guy with the topknot, clasping his fists in greetings.
”Mm,” Chengban acknowledged disinterestedly while continuing to eat his food.
From the start, he had not even taken a single glance towards them.
”Hey, it's not too nice that you are ignoring us, Brother Bocheng!” the short young man who pulled open the curtains complained. ”Who are they? Are they your friends? Why don't I recognise them from anywhere?”
”Yeah, since when do you know such a beautiful lady?” the scarred young man added. ”Aren't you going to introduce her to us? Look, Senior Apprentice Chengban. Brother Bocheng is with a really pretty girl!”
”Is that so?”
Chengban put down his chopsticks and finally took his first glance towards Lu Tianzi's group.
His expression did not change much, but his eyes wavered ever so slightly when he caught sight of Nanlan Qianxue.
With his status, Chengban had already been with countless women. Because of that, he had not been expecting much, thinking that his juniors were simply making a mountain out of a molehill.
However, his juniors were right this time.
This woman in front of him was truly beautiful!