Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

After taking a moment to survey the scene, Chu Liang decided it was best to leave. Jiang Yuebai and the others were still waiting outside, and it was clear that the knife wouldn't be found anytime soon. With dinner at the restaurant no longer an option, he saw no reason to stay and complicate matters further.

Before Chu Liang could leave, Seal-Holding Official Chen pulled him aside, saying, "Master Chef Xue is feeling a bit anxious and hopes that the news of the missing Famous Yipin Knife won't spread."

Seal-Holding Official Chen leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Master Chef Xue is quite anxious about the situation. He fears that if the Famous Yipin Knife isn't recovered soon, it could ruin his restaurant's reputation and drive away customers."

Even without the Famous Yipin Knife, the restaurant would still be making dishes.

However, the knife was more than just a tool; it was a signature item of the restaurant. Most customers wouldn't notice a difference in the dishes unless they were informed about the changed knife. Yet, if word spread that the knife was missing, customers might start to think that the food had changed.

Master Chef Xue hoped the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would exert every effort to recover the knife, but if it remained lost, he preferred the issue to be quietly set aside.

Chu Liang nodded in understanding and made his way out.

As Chu Liang descended the stairs, the others from Mount Shu, waiting at the bottom, naturally asked about the situation.

Chu Liang sighed and shook his head. "A strange case has come up. Looks like we'll have to find somewhere else to eat tonight."

Though Jiang Yuebai felt a twinge of disappointment, she had a backup list of restaurants ready to go. The group made their way toward the inner city and soon found themselves at the base of the imperial city walls.

There stood a modest two-story building with a small entrance and a simple sign. However, the words on the sign were impressive: "Imperial City Restaurant."

This restaurant was run by imperial chefs looking to earn a little extra on the side. Typically, there were over a dozen imperial chefs on duty, ready to whip up meals at any time.

Thanks to the chefs' good reputation, business at the Imperial City Restaurant had always been booming. They became so popular that they had to keep raising their prices to manage the crowd.

Chu Liang and the others arrived right at dinner time, so they had to wait for a while before a private room became available.

The private room was simple and elegant, appearing quite modest. But when they opened the menu, it was anything but modest.

Ling Ao stayed silent, while Xu Ziyang furrowed his brows.

Even Jiang Yuebai couldn't help but whisper, "So expensive."

"We don't come here often, so just order whatever you like," Chu Liang said with a smile.

He scanned the fine dishes listed on the menu and casually selected seven or eight that caught his eye. There was no such luxury on Mount Shu, so he figured it was okay to indulge a little, especially since they rarely had the opportunity.

Ling Ao let out a sigh. "The price of this meal is outrageous..."

"Don't worry, it's on me," Chu Liang replied with a grin.

"You're getting more and more generous," Ling Ao joked. "Soon, I won't even dare to be friends with you."

Chu Liang laughed and replied, "I've never cared about whether the people I befriend have money..."

The luxurious dinner was, of course, thoroughly enjoyable. The four of them savored each of the renowned imperial dishes, and the flavors were truly exceptional.

During the meal, Xu Ziyang suddenly said, "I should have asked my teacher to come along. He's always so frugal, saving all his resources for the disciples. He's probably never tasted anything like this."

Seeing how Xu Ziyang acted as such a thoughtful disciple, always keeping his teacher in mind, Chu Liang couldn't help but think of his own teacher Di Nufeng.

Thankfully, he would never have to worry about her.

His own teacher was extravagant, likely having already indulged in luxuries like these, probably spending the entire peak's resources in a single lifetime on feasting and revelry.

He waved his hand, calling over a servant. "Please pack up another set of these dishes." Turning to the others, he added, "We'll take them back for Senior Uncle Wang."

"Uh..." Xu Ziyang seemed about to say something.

Chu Liang gave him a reassuring look.

With his current wealth, no amount of food or drink could make him go broke. As long as he didn't make reckless investments, there was no risk of wasting his fortune.

After their meal, the four of them, fully satisfied, prepared to leave the city and return to their residence at Emperor's Mound.

Chu Liang looked back and said, "You guys head back first. I need to find Junior Brother Liu, whom we met earlier. There's something I need to ask him."

"What for?" Jiang Yuebai asked curiously.

"I'll tell you later," Chu Liang replied with a mysterious smile.

The other three were a bit puzzled, but seeing that Chu Liang didn't want to explain, they went ahead and left without him.

…

Earlier, in the knife box at Famous Chef of the World, Chu Liang caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance. After a moment of thought, he realized it was the same scent he had smelled on Liu Yunzheng earlier that day.

The fragrance was rather unique, not something commonly encountered.

During the day, Liu Yunzheng had mentioned that his father was a general in the city patrol, and their house wasn't far from the imperial city. With just a bit of inquiry, Chu Liang easily found the house and went to visit, announcing his name at the entrance.

Soon, Liu Yunzheng hurried out to greet him.

"Senior Brother Chu!" Liu Yunzheng called out, quickly approaching and personally escorting Chu Liang inside. He then turned to the gatekeeper and instructed, "The next time Senior Brother Chu visits, let him enter without needing to be announced."

"Junior Brother Liu, very courteous of you," Chu Liang replied with a warm smile.

Liu Yunzheng looked much better now. Thanks to the precious medicine, his damaged meridians had fully healed, and it wouldn't really affect his performance in the competition tomorrow. He was filled with gratitude toward Chu Liang.

"I've come to ask you about something, Junior Brother Liu," Chu Liang said. "Earlier today, I noticed a rather unique fragrance on you. I'm curious. Could it have come from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion?"

"Fragrance?" Liu Yunzheng paused.

He was now freshly bathed and no longer smelled of that same fragrance. He thought for a moment before replying, "It's probably Yunshang's special perfume powder. I didn't pay much attention to it earlier, but now that you mention it, her fragrance is indeed quite unique..."

"It's unique to Miss Yunshang?" Chu Liang asked further.

"As far as I know, I haven't smelled it anywhere else," Liu Yunzheng replied, a hint of puzzlement crossing his face as he wondered why Chu Liang, being a man, would take such an interest in perfume powder.

"Besides you, could anyone else have picked up the scent?" Chu Liang asked again.

Liu Yunzheng's expression grew slightly serious. "Senior Brother Chu, although Yunshang is a courtesan, she has always been virtuous and has only ever been with me."

"I see," Chu Liang said with a nod.

"This was not a life she wanted to live," Liu Yunzheng continued with a sigh. "Her father was executed when she was young, her mother is gravely ill, and she still needs to pay for her brother's tuition..."

"Truly touching," Chu Liang agreed, though his tone suggested he was somewhat absentminded.

"So, Senior Brother Chu, if you're thinking about pursuing Yunshang, you can forget about it. We've pledged our love for each other, and she would never be with anyone else," Liu Yunzheng said.

"Rest assured, I definitely won't," Chu Liang responded as he quickly shook his head.

After a few more polite exchanges, Chu Liang stood up to take his leave. "I won't keep you any longer. Rest well and make sure you're in top condition for tomorrow's competition."

"Thank you for your kind words, Senior Brother Chu," Liu Yunzheng replied, walking him all the way to the residence gates before stopping to see him off.

…

After leaving Liu Yunzheng's house, Chu Liang made his way to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. The capital city of Yu sparkled in the night, its streets glowing like a flowing river of stars, and in the midst of it all stood the lavishly decorated Hundred Flowers Pavilion.

It was the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, one of the most famous brothels in the city.

Across from the building stood a shop that sold cosmetics and perfumes, where a line of eager patrons waited outside. Clearly, a shop like this, positioned opposite a brothel, was in the perfect location.

Upon entering, Chu Liang was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of dancers and music that filled the hall. Immediately, a brothel manager approached him. "Welcome! A new face! Is this your first visit? What kind of girl do you fancy? I can introduce you to some of our lovely ladies."

"I'm here to see Miss Yunshang," Chu Liang stated straightforwardly.

"Yunshang?" The brothel keeper chuckled softly. "She's one of our most popular girls. It's not easy to arrange a meeting with her..."

With a flick of his wrist, Chu Liang tossed a pouch to her as a tip.

The brothel manager snatched it from the air, opened it, and found it filled with spirit stones, far exceeding the worth of gold or silver and easily exchangeable in the capital of Yu.

Her smile shone like a wild chrysanthemum in bloom. "Miss Yunshang is free right now. I'll take you to her."

After escorting Chu Liang to a room on the third floor, she stepped inside for a quick conversation and soon emerged with a radiant smile. "Miss Yunshang is waiting for you inside. Please, go in."

Chu Liang stepped into the room and was greeted by the sight of a delicate, gentle woman seated by a table in front of a screen. She looked both pitiful and endearing.

"I heard it's your first time here. How do you know my name?" Yunshang asked softly.

"A recommendation from a friend," Chu Liang answered in a straightforward manner as he took his seat. He was eager to get to the heart of the matter.

This response left Yunshang looking slightly puzzled.

"The fragrance you wear is quite unique," he continued. "Where did you get that perfume powder?"

"You have a keen sense of smell, young master," Yunshang said with a smile. "This perfume was specially made for me by a perfume powder crafter across the street at Elegance Haven. I'm the only one who wears this scent."

"I see…" Chu Liang glanced in the direction of the street and casually asked, "It must have been quite expensive."

"We do these things to please our guests; naturally, we put effort into our appearance," Yunshang replied softly.

"So, Miss Yunshang, how many lovers do you have these days?" Chu Liang asked out of the blue.

"Hm?" Yunshang paused for a moment, then smiled again. "Young master, surely you're joking. Our dealings with guests are just friendly banter. How could there be any lovers...?"

Chu Liang placed a heavy pouch on the table with a solid thump.

As Yunshang opened it, her expression changed, much like the brothel manager's earlier. Immediately, her gaze toward Chu Liang became friendlier.

"I've only had three," Yunshang replied. "During the first relationship, I was naive and easily fooled. I didn't know much about love. My second relationship was one of passion, but unfortunately, we ultimately realized that our personalities weren't compatible. The third... is you, young master, and I hope..."

Well then. Memorized a standard response, huh?

Chu Liang didn't say much more and handed her another pouch. "Please be honest."

Yunshang glanced at the pouch, remained silent for a moment, then quickly said, "Seventeen."

"And who came to see you last night?" Chu Liang handed over another pouch.

With three heavy pouches of spirit stones now on the table, Yunshang considered Chu Liang a true friend.

She answered immediately, "Only Zhao Tietou from the Sword Forging Sect came to see me last night."

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