Chapter Eighteen: Ascend... to the Moon!

The Tianxia Restaurant is the largest tavern in the imperial city and currently the grandest establishment in the realm of "Fantasy." Its famed delicacies—Jade Spring Brew, Cloud Mud Hooves, Phoenix Tail Wings, Dragon Holding Begonia, Autumn Chrysanthemum Defying Frost, and Emerald Silver Ear—are collectively hailed as the "Five Wonders of Tianxia." Among them, Jade Spring Brew is a prized liquor. These five exquisite dishes are served in limited quantities each day, available only by special order. Players fortunate enough to taste them invariably shower them with praise, savoring the lingering flavors.

Before us now lies a table set with these five marvels. I’m unsure of the reason for being summoned to this second-floor private room, but beside Xichu sits a woman of unparalleled beauty. She wears a white dress that clings to her slender figure, her skin as pale and pure as jade, exuding an icy elegance. Her crystal-clear eyes seem to hold the chill of eternal frost, and a faint melancholy lingers between her delicately arched brows, enough to shatter the hearts of any admirer. She is practically a reincarnation of the Little Dragon Girl from Jin Yong’s novels—her cold gaze can convey disdain, mockery, and mercilessness in an instant. What kind of person is she, blending nobility, icy beauty, and sorrow so seamlessly? Has she endured some soul-wrenching ordeal?

Ah Wei did not embarrass me; he merely lingered a few seconds on her face. Having often been with Xiaoyue, a beauty no less striking, he’s honed his ability to appreciate such women. Yet Xiaoyue was scrutinizing her intensely—beautiful women seem especially sensitive to others of equal rank, always seeking an edge to feel secure in their company, even pure-hearted Xiaoyue included.

I gazed fondly at this silly girl. She happened to look up at me, and seeing that I remained composed before such beauty, her radiant smile blossomed like spring’s gentle touch, softening the cold frost of the other woman. They were indeed two entirely different types.

Xichu the Mad Blade noticed Xiaoyue declining her drink and poured the Jade Spring Brew only for the three men. The rich aroma filled the room, lingering long after. Though I do not drink myself, I could not refuse out of respect. Such fine liquor naturally piqued my interest. Xichu raised his glass with a smile: "As it happens, Brother Bat and I have met once before, though we never had the chance to drink together. Today, that wish is finally fulfilled. Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce—this is my cousin, Chenlu Qiushuang."

She was Chenlu Qiushuang?! The dark sorceress who has long dominated the top five of the Storm Rankings. Truly, her name suits her—cold, indeed icy. I had the urge to use an appraisal spell just now, but such behavior is disrespectful, akin to peeking beneath a veil in reality. Of course, battle is another matter. They were cousins, no wonder—who could endure such a girlfriend or wife? One cold glance from her would extinguish desire. I wondered just how formidable their backing was.

I smiled faintly, composed as ever: "I never expected Chenlu Qiushuang, a perennial figure on the Storm Rankings, to be so ethereal. Meeting her surpasses even her reputation. These are my friends, 'Gentle Xiaoyue,' a holy sorceress. This..."

Damn! The pig-headed glutton beside me, devouring his food not with chopsticks but by holding the plate and shoveling it in like someone freshly escaped from a cell. I wondered if his tongue had been swallowed. Sigh... Why did I ever take such a lackey? Always embarrassing me. I kicked him under the table fiercely, scolding, "Behave yourself, hunter."

The kicked one barely swallowed the mouthful of food and wine, embarrassed, and said to Xichu, "Sorry for the scene. I've never tasted such fine wine or delicious dishes. Ah, forgive me—I forgot to say I admire you greatly. Honestly, besides my boss, I admire you most." Xichu chuckled silently.

In his meltdown, he never spoke seriously. It was tolerable in my presence, but I vowed never to bring him to such occasions again. Thankfully, Xiaoyue’s clear voice broke the awkwardness: "Greetings, Brother Xichu. Hello, sister. Sister, you’re so beautiful—your skin is tender and fair. Could you share your skincare secrets?"

Sigh... I swear, I’m not bringing anyone else.

Just moments ago, Chenlu Qiushuang had only nodded briefly in greeting, but now she softened like melting ice, a ray of sunlight piercing through clouds, revealing a faint smile and a voice as melodious as pearls falling on jade: "Little Sister Xiaoyue, you flatter me. Your skin is like snow piled on fat, smooth as satin. I was about to ask you for your secret."

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Disdain! Chenlu Qiushuang, who hadn’t given me a second glance before, now chatted with Xiaoyue like sisters. Women! No, even so, such a stark contrast is rare. Could she be the legendary glass flower? Watching their warm conversation, I resolved to leave immediately with Xiaoyue if anything untoward arose.

"Brother Mad Blade, may I ask the purpose of your summons?" Business first—no one spends hundreds of gold coins on a feast for a mere acquaintance.

"It’s like this: I want to ask Brother Bat about the properties of the intermediate elixir you crafted today. Could you share?"

I took out the last remaining pill of 'Bitterness Ends' and said, "Ah, a small matter. Brother Mad Blade, please have a look."

"The attributes are good. Do you have more stock? I want to buy a batch," Xichu stated his intent clearly.

"I just succeeded in making it today; only one on hand. I don’t know if I can make more. If you want several, I think it’s possible," I replied. 'Bitterness Ends' was only produced in one batch; I had no chance to test the success rate fully.

"Is 100 pills too much? You set the price. If it’s fair, I’ll pay half the deposit upfront." Without hesitation, he offered half the deposit. Usually, transactions require a tenth. He must truly trust me. His confident, thoughtful manner showed he was experienced and sincere, easy to like.

"That’s unlikely. Even if materials are found, crafting so many pills would take at least a week, possibly ten days. The success rate for intermediate elixirs is quite low. Also, taking too many of the same pill reduces its effect. After three, more pills yield no benefit," I explained, to avoid future trouble.

"Thanks for the reminder, Brother Bat. Since mass production is impossible, how about 40 pills? You name the price."

"Alright, 40 it is. As for price, I’m unsure of the market. This elixir hasn’t been sold yet. I think 350 gold per pill is fair." The cost was low; I didn’t know the efficiency of production. With silver equipment selling well, a price of 400 gold per pill would be good. Selling at 350 for bulk was cheap. Xichu was a trustworthy, knowledgeable buyer.

Sure enough, he sincerely said, "350 gold is a fair price, even a bit cheap. Seeing you’re generous, I won’t refuse—deal!"

"Heh, trading with straightforward people is a pleasure! Brother Mad Blade, when do you need the goods?"

"How about five days?"

"Deal!" They exchanged smiles.

"Brother Mad Blade, farewell. Until we meet again!"

"Until we meet again!"

"Sister, goodbye. I’ll try it and hope to learn more from you," Xiaoyue said reluctantly, her eyes filled with dreams. It seemed Chenlu Qiushuang had shared some beauty secrets. Women truly are strange creatures, not governed by reason—they’re all radiant beauties yet obsessed with such things.

I politely nodded farewell to Chenlu Qiushuang, though she never spoke a word to me, nor smiled, not even a proper glance. No matter—I have Little Lan, tender and gentle, far better than this icy woman. Ah Wei, however, still clutched his wine jug, unwilling to leave. Embarrassed, I shouted, "Ah Wei, dead or alive? If alive, get back here!"

To be continued...