Fang Xuan followed Ning Xian into Fuchun Restaurant.
This establishment was quite large, spanning three floors and appearing as the most imposing building in this small town.
It was currently peak dining hours, and the main hall was crowded. Most of the patrons wore the attire of cultivators, their auras varying in strength as they toasted each other and laughed heartily.
It truly was a place that catered primarily to the cultivation community.
As soon as they stepped through the door, a woman in a crimson brocade dress behind the counter looked up.
Her gaze lingered on Ning Xian for a moment, a smirk playing on her lips, before shifting toward Fang Xuan.
"Oh, quite the rare guest," the elegant woman said, stepping out from behind the counter.
She was the proprietor of this restaurant.
"Is this not Chef Ning... oh, I mean, Immortal Ning? What’s the matter? Things didn't work out for you out there, so you’ve come back to your old trade?"
Ning Xian remained expressionless, not even giving the woman a glance as she walked straight toward an empty table by the window.
The proprietress wasn't offended. Her eyes followed Fang Xuan, her smile deepening as she hid it behind a handkerchief.
"This handsome young gentleman is a new face. Is he a... friend of yours, Immortal Ning? Having such a fine-looking man in my restaurant truly makes the place shine.
Why don't you come sit in my room, young master? You can try the 'Drunken Immortal Brew' I made with my own hands. I guarantee it’s better than any wine you’ve ever tasted..."
"Do you still buy spirit beast meat?" Ning Xian sat down, cutting her off.
Interrupted, the proprietress’s smile stiffened for a second before melting back into a grin. She leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed.
"Of course. As long as it was hunted by you, Immortal Ning, I’ll offer a good price for high quality. However..."
She drew out the word, her eyes darting back to Fang Xuan. "I won’t dare keep a tab open for you like I did years ago, turning away other business.
What if you only work for a few months and then disappear on a whim again? Who would I cry to then? When you walked out last time, my signature spirit feast dishes almost fell through for half a month. It broke my heart to lose that much money."
Ning Xian didn't react, her voice as cold as ever. "This time, we settle the payment immediately. Do you want it or not?"
"Yes, of course I do."
The proprietress smiled, leaning forward until she was almost touching Fang Xuan’s shoulder, her eyes fixed intently on him.
"But, I have one condition... Just who is this young man to you, Immortal Ning?
He’s truly handsome. Those eyes, that build... tsk tsk. Why don't you come to my room? I have plenty of good things there..."
Fang Xuan, who was holding his black sword, didn't even twitch an eyebrow. He simply looked up and swept a cold glance over the proprietress.
"Dao companion."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling edge.
His senior sister didn't like to talk and was always bullied by insignificant people. Now that he was here, he wouldn't let others act so sly and annoying.
The flirtatious smile on the proprietress's face froze as if she were choking.
She looked at Fang Xuan's cold, temperatureless gaze, then at Ning Xian's face, which seemed to have grown even colder.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Having run a restaurant in such a chaotic place for decades, she had developed a sharp eye.
When the youth entered, he looked clear and harmless, almost innocent. But that look just now... it had actually made her heart tremble for no reason.
"Haha..."
The proprietress gave a dry laugh and stood up straight, subtly stepping back half a pace.
"Then it was my mistake. I spoke out of turn. You two really are... a perfect match, made in heaven."
"If you were wrong, then shut up."
Fang Xuan retracted his gaze, his tone flat yet carrying a high-altitude indifference. "Mortals should focus on mortal affairs."
The proprietress's expression shifted, but she ultimately didn't dare say anything else, responding sheepishly.
"Yes... I overstepped. What would the two of you like to eat? We have fresh silver-line cod and giant chicken steaks today. They are filled with spiritual energy..."
.......
【Detected that the host took the initiative to defend the dignity of master Ning Xian in front of outsiders and clearly declared a secret bond with the master. Action assessment: The slave is consciously maintaining the master's authority and exclusive rights. training value +0.5!】
Fang Xuan scoffed inwardly.
A secret bond? The system's terminology was getting more and more dramatic.
He only said that because he found the proprietress noisy and troublesome. He wanted to get rid of her quickly and... well, to stop her from looking at him with those annoying eyes.
Still, 0.5 points was better than nothing.
Ning Xian acted as if she hadn't heard the words 'dao companion' at all. Or rather, she automatically interpreted it as a convenient excuse to avoid further trouble.
That woman was indeed an annoyance.
Fang Xuan looked at the simple menu and began ordering.
The proprietress quickly took the order and headed to the kitchen. Before she left, she couldn't help but steal another glance at Fang Xuan.
This young man was dazzlingly handsome when silent, but once he spoke, that aura of his...
Where did a cold girl like Ning Xian find such a handsome and fierce dao companion?
He didn't look like an ordinary disciple.
While waiting for the food, the atmosphere was quiet.
Outside, the sky had completely darkened, the town lights blending with the glow inside the restaurant.
Fang Xuan silently continued to suppress the spirit power in his body that was on the verge of breaking through.
The food was served quickly.
Clearly, Fuchun Restaurant’s ability to cater to cultivators was backed by unique skills and ingredients.
Fang Xuan habitually placed food into Ning Xian's bowl.
His senior sister was still a bit too thin; otherwise, she would be even more... attractive.
Cough... what am I thinking...
Ning Xian looked at the meat and soup piled in her bowl. She remained silent for a moment before picking up her chopsticks and eating in small bites.
After a few mouthfuls, she suddenly put down her chopsticks and spoke softly.
"The spirit stones for the roof and the cost of this meal... consider it a loan from you."
Fang Xuan, who was biting into a pig's trotter, paused and looked up at her.
Ning Xian avoided his gaze, looking at the rice in her bowl as she continued, "I will work to pay you back."
Fang Xuan had mentioned lending her money before. If she refused again, it would seem like she was being ungracious.
Looking at her lowered eyelashes and tight lips, Fang Xuan knew she was serious.
His senior sister was quite prideful. Saying 'I'll take care of you' definitely wouldn't work—the system had docked points for that last time.
Lending might be a way she could accept.
He nodded, his tone light. "Sure, take your time, Senior Sister. I'm in no rush."
Seeing that she had accepted the arrangement, Fang Xuan didn't say more and went back to eating.
In his mind, he was thinking of ways to 'lend' her more without it being obvious. After all, he had plenty of spirit stones.
Just as he was happily planning how to reasonably subsidize his senior sister.
【Serious Warning! Detected that slave Fang Xuan has once again developed dangerous thoughts!】
【Everything a slave owns belongs to the master. The slave's spirit stones are the master's property. The thought of supporting the master is a reversal of the natural order.】
【Action assessment: Incorrigible, continuous decline in thought, lack of fundamental awareness.】
【Punishment: training value -0.5! Let this be a warning!】
【Re-emphasizing: Slave Fang Xuan, please reflect deeply and correct your attitude!】
Fang Xuan: "..."
The system docked points again... and it kept calling him a slave.
He really had nothing to say.
Rate on N.U.
