《Tavern of Ten Thousand Paths [XIANXIA]》 Chapter 1: A Mortal in a Mystical World Chapter 1: A Mortal in a Mystical World The sky above was vast and endless, painted in shades of blue that Li Wei had only ever seen in photographs. A gentle wind carried the scent of blooming flowers and something faintly metallic, as though the air itself held traces of power. Li Wei stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, overlooking an expanse of untamed wilderness¡ªtowering trees, rolling hills, and streams that glistened like silver threads under the sun. It was a breathtaking view, but Li Wei felt no peace. Instead, he was confused, and more than a little annoyed. ¡°This can¡¯t be real,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his disheveled black hair. "One minute, I¡¯m eating instant noodles and watching Wanderlust Chefs, and the next, I¡¯m in... whatever this is." His voice echoed faintly, answered only by the call of distant birds. ¡°Hello? Anyone out there?¡± he yelled, his voice tinged with desperation. The silence was broken by an unexpected sound¡ªa soft ding, followed by a calm, mechanical voice. "Welcome, Li Wei. You have been chosen as a participant in the Grand Rebirth Initiative. This world is known as the Eternal Dominion, a realm where mortals seek to transcend the boundaries of existence through cultivation, mastery of skills, and the pursuit of Dao." Li Wei froze, his eyes darting around for the source of the voice. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve officially lost it. Too much MSG in those noodles. Hallucinations. That¡¯s all this is.¡± "This is not a hallucination. The Eternal Dominion is a world of cultivation, where mortals strive to ascend the Heavens by harnessing spiritual energy, understanding universal truths, and mastering the laws of existence." Li Wei¡¯s jaw slackened as the words sank in. ¡°Cultivation? Like in those novels?¡± "Correct. However, this world is not fiction. The Eternal Dominion is as real as the life you once knew. Here, mortals battle for survival, strength, and enlightenment." Li Wei¡¯s laugh was half disbelief, half hysteria. ¡°Great. I¡¯ve been isekai¡¯d into a Chinese fantasy novel. What¡¯s next? A cheat ability to make me invincible? A destined love interest? Maybe I¡¯ll overthrow an empire while I¡¯m at it!¡± "Your path is yours to decide," the voice replied evenly, unbothered by his sarcasm. "You have been granted the Life Skill Mastery System, designed to aid you in mastering practical and esoteric skills. This system will not provide cultivation techniques or enhance your spiritual power. Your journey will be shaped by your choices and efforts." Li Wei blinked. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re saying you can¡¯t help me become one of those superpowered cultivators?¡± "Correct. This system specializes in the development of skills¡ª craftsmanship, culinary arts, and more¡ªbut spiritual cultivation lies outside its domain. Survival and prosperity depend on your ingenuity."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. He groaned. ¡°So, I¡¯ve been dumped in a world full of sword-wielding, spell-casting demigods, and you¡¯re telling me I can¡¯t become one of them? What am I supposed to do, open a noodle shop?¡± The system didn¡¯t respond immediately, as if considering his words. "A noodle shop is a viable choice." Li Wei almost choked. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡± "This system does not joke. You have been provided a starting location¡ªa modest courtyard on Spiritwind Mountain, equipped with necessities. Your journey begins now. Good luck." Before Li Wei could protest, the voice vanished, leaving him standing alone on the cliffside. --- When the world didn¡¯t immediately collapse or reveal hidden monsters, Li Wei reluctantly began his trek down the cliffside. After some trial and error¡ªmainly error¡ªhe stumbled across a narrow path that led to a clearing. There, nestled among the trees, was a small courtyard. The structure was simple: a single-story building made of wood and stone, surrounded by a low wall. Inside the courtyard was a small vegetable garden, a well, and an old tree whose branches stretched protectively over the space. It wasn¡¯t much, but it looked surprisingly livable. Li Wei sighed as he walked through the gate. ¡°Well, it¡¯s no five-star resort, but I¡¯ve had worse apartments.¡± The interior of the building was just as modest: a bed, a table, a few chairs, and shelves stocked with tools and supplies. There was a tiny kitchen area with a stove and an assortment of unfamiliar ingredients. ¡°Well, I guess this is home now,¡± he muttered, flopping onto the bed. ¡°I wanted a change of pace, but this is a little extreme. --- The next morning, Li Wei woke to the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Then reality¡ªor whatever this was¡ªset in. He sat up, rubbing his face. ¡°Okay, Li Wei. Time to figure this out. You¡¯re stuck in a world of cultivators, you have a courtyard, and you¡¯re apparently great at skills. What¡¯s the plan?¡± His stomach growled, answering for him. ¡°Right. Food first, plans later.¡± In the kitchen, he examined the ingredients. Most of them were strange plants and powders he didn¡¯t recognize, but there were a few basics: rice, salt, and some kind of leafy vegetable. With a little experimentation, he managed to cook a decent meal, surprising himself with how effortlessly it all came together. As he ate, an idea began to take shape. ¡°If this world is all about cultivation, people must need food, right? And not just any food¡ªsomething to keep them going. Maybe... maybe I really could open a tavern or something.¡± He chuckled at the absurdity of it, but the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He had a courtyard, basic cooking skills, and, most importantly, no better ideas. ¡°Why not?¡± he said aloud, grinning. ¡°A tavern sounds way better than running around fighting monsters. I¡¯ll be the guy people come to after their epic battles.¡± --- But before he could set up a tavern, Li Wei realized he needed to understand the world better. And that meant leaving the courtyard. With nothing but a small pack of supplies, he set out into the forest. The path was overgrown and uneven, but the air was fresh, and the sights were stunning. He marveled at trees taller than skyscrapers and streams so clear he could see every pebble at the bottom. The journey wasn¡¯t without challenges. At one point, he encountered a snake the size of a car, basking in a patch of sunlight. Li Wei froze, his heart pounding, until the creature slithered away, uninterested in him. ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m definitely sticking to cooking,¡± he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. By late afternoon, the forest began to thin, and he spotted signs of civilization: trampled paths, the distant sound of voices, and the faint smell of cooking fires. Following these clues, he eventually came upon a small village nestled in a valley. The sight of people going about their daily lives¡ªfarmers tending fields, children playing, and merchants unloading goods¡ªbrought a wave of relief. ¡°Well, hello there,¡± he said to himself, smiling for the first time since his arrival. ¡°Maybe this place isn¡¯t so bad after all.¡± And with that, he stepped into the village, ready to begin the next chapter of his new life. --------- Chapter 2: A Stranger in a Strange Land Chapter 2: A Stranger in a Strange Land The sun hung low in the sky as I stepped into the village, its golden rays painting the stone paths and wooden houses in warm hues. Nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, the village was the very picture of rustic charm. Small, tightly packed houses with curved, tiled roofs lined the narrow streets, their exteriors adorned with red paper lanterns and vibrant flower pots. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, carrying the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread. The mountains loomed in the distance, their snow-capped peaks reflecting the sunlight like polished jade. Streams of crystal-clear water ran through the village, their cheerful babble adding a harmonious rhythm to the gentle murmur of villagers chatting. Children played barefoot near the streams, their laughter blending with the occasional cluck of chickens and the bleating of goats. For a moment, I stood there in awe, feeling as though I¡¯d stepped into a painting. ¡°This,¡± I muttered, ¡°is what they call postcard perfect.¡± The village was alive with activity. Merchants shouted out their wares from wooden stalls, women carried baskets overflowing with vegetables, and old men smoked pipes under the shade of ancient trees. It was picturesque, idyllic even¡ªexcept for one glaring detail. Everyone was staring at me. At first, I thought it was just my imagination. But as I walked further into the village, I noticed heads turning, conversations pausing mid-sentence, and eyes lingering on me far longer than was polite. ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered under my breath. ¡°This isn¡¯t awkward at all.¡± I glanced down at myself, trying to figure out what was so fascinating. And then it hit me. While everyone else wore simple, flowing robes or sturdy work clothes made of coarse fabric, I was strutting around in jeans, a graphic T-shirt that said "Pizza is Life," and sneakers that had seen better days. ¡°Oh, great,¡± I muttered. ¡°I look like a time-traveling lunatic.¡± A group of children whispered among themselves, pointing at me with wide-eyed curiosity. An elderly woman frowned, her gaze flicking between my face and my shoes as though trying to solve a riddle. Even a dog seemed to stop and give me a once-over before trotting away. I forced a smile and nodded politely at the villagers, but the awkwardness was suffocating. My modern clothes screamed ¡°outsider,¡± and the last thing I wanted was to draw more attention to myself. Step one, I decided, blend in. Step two, don¡¯t look like a complete idiot. After wandering aimlessly for a while, I found myself in a bustling marketplace. The stalls were overflowing with goods: bundles of herbs, jars of honey, woven baskets, and gleaming tools. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, fresh bread, and something that smelled suspiciously like fermented fish. I approached a stall selling clothing. The merchant, a middle-aged man with a kind face and a bushy beard, looked me up and down with thinly veiled amusement. ¡°Ah, traveler!¡± he said in a language I somehow understood perfectly. ¡°You have... unique taste in attire.¡± I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks heat. ¡°Yeah, about that. I could use something a bit more, uh, traditional.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. He chuckled and gestured to a row of folded garments. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place. These are made from the finest mountain silk. Strong, breathable, and comfortable.¡± I picked up one of the robes, running my fingers over the fabric. It was soft yet durable, dyed in earthy tones with simple patterns. ¡°This one will suit you,¡± the merchant said, holding up a dark blue robe with silver embroidery along the edges. ¡°Modest, but elegant.¡± ¡°How much?¡± I asked, bracing myself for the answer. ¡°Three silver coins.¡± I froze. Silver coins? I didn¡¯t even know if I had any currency. Frantically, I patted my pockets, and to my relief, I found a small leather pouch tied to my belt. Opening it, I found a mix of coins¡ªgold, silver, and copper. ¡°Well, at least that useless system gave me something,¡± I muttered. The merchant raised an eyebrow. ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± I said quickly. I handed him three silver coins without bothering to haggle. I didn¡¯t know the value of money here, and the last thing I wanted was to offend someone by arguing over prices. The merchant beamed. ¡°A wise choice! Let me know if you need anything else.¡± I ducked behind the stall to change, emerging a few minutes later in my new robe. It was surprisingly comfortable, and for the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I didn¡¯t stick out like a sore thumb. ¡°Well,¡± I said, smoothing the fabric. ¡°At least now I look the part.¡± Feeling slightly less conspicuous, I continued exploring the village. The streets were alive with sights, sounds, and smells that seemed to belong to another era. I passed a blacksmith hammering away at a glowing piece of metal, sparks flying in all directions. Nearby, a group of women sat on wooden stools, chatting as they sorted through baskets of fresh produce. Every corner of the village seemed to tell a story. There was a shrine adorned with candles and incense, where villagers bowed their heads in silent prayer. A group of children gathered around an elderly man who was carving intricate patterns into a wooden figurine. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. This place was so different from the modern world¡ªslower, simpler, and somehow more alive. But as I walked, a thought nagged at the back of my mind. How was it that I could understand these people perfectly? I didn¡¯t recall learning any ancient languages, yet their words flowed into my mind as naturally as my own thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s probably another one of those ¡®system¡¯ things,¡± I muttered. ¡°Convenient, but also creepy.¡± The system, however, was conspicuously silent. Eventually, my wandering led me to a small tavern at the edge of the marketplace. The sign above the door was painted with the image of a steaming bowl and a pair of chopsticks. The scent of sizzling meat and spices wafted out, making my stomach rumble. I stepped inside, and the noise of the village faded, replaced by the hum of conversation and the clinking of bowls. The interior was cozy, with wooden beams, low tables, and lanterns casting a warm glow. A young woman in an apron approached me, smiling. ¡°Welcome, traveler. Would you like something to eat?¡± ¡°Yes, please,¡± I said, settling at an empty table. ¡°Whatever you recommend.¡± Moments later, she placed a steaming bowl of noodles in front of me. The broth was rich and fragrant, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings¡ªa mix of herbs, vegetables, and thin slices of meat¡ªlooked fresh and inviting. I took a bite and nearly melted. ¡°This,¡± I said, ¡°is amazing.¡± The woman beamed. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it. My mother¡¯s recipe.¡± As I ate, I couldn¡¯t help but think about the courtyard back on the mountain. It had a small kitchen, plenty of space, and now that I¡¯d seen this tavern, an idea was beginning to take shape. ¡°Maybe a tavern isn¡¯t such a bad idea,¡± I mused. ¡°People need food, and I need a way to survive. Plus, I can always add my own twist¡ªlike pizza.¡± I chuckled at the thought. A tavern that served both traditional dishes and modern ones? It might just work. By the time I left the tavern, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the village. The air was cooler now, and the faint hum of crickets filled the silence. As I made my way back to the path leading up the mountain, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. I was still an outsider in this world, but for the first time, I felt like I might be able to carve out a place for myself. The villagers still eyed me curiously as I passed, but now I didn¡¯t mind so much. After all, every story needs a beginning, and mine was just getting started. Chapter 3: Of Taverns and Crossroads Chapter 3: Of Taverns and Crossroads The sun was dipping below the horizon as I made my way back to the mountains. The soft glow of twilight bathed the path in golden hues, and the air was cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. Birds chirped their final songs of the day, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the silence. As I climbed higher, the village lights twinkled in the distance like fireflies. Despite the pleasant evening, my thoughts were far from peaceful. ¡°Alright, system,¡± I muttered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about taverns.¡± Silence. I sighed. ¡°I mean, you did give me that courtyard, so technically, this is your fault. You¡¯ve got to help me with this.¡± Still nothing. Annoyed, I stopped in the middle of the trail and shouted, ¡°HELLO?! SYSTEM?! ARE YOU THERE?¡± A familiar, emotionless voice rang in my head. ¡°Host, there is no need to yell. I am always present.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± I folded my arms. ¡°Then why do you only show up when it¡¯s convenient for you?¡± ¡°I respond when it is necessary. Unnecessary complaints do not qualify.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fine, whatever. Let¡¯s talk about the tavern idea. I was thinking¡ª¡± Before I could finish, the system interrupted. ¡°Before we discuss the tavern, it is crucial for you to understand the significance of your current location.¡± ¡°My location?¡± I frowned, glancing around at the towering peaks and dense forest. ¡°What¡¯s so special about these mountains?¡± ¡°The mountains you now inhabit serve as a crossroads between distinct realms: the mortal world, the immortal cultivation world, and the spirit world.¡± I blinked. ¡°Crossroads? Like a joint highway?¡± ¡°If that helps you comprehend, yes. These mountains are a place of convergence, where mortals seek enlightenment, cultivators pursue immortality, and spirits manifest their presence.¡± I let out a low whistle, gazing at the mountains with newfound respect. ¡°So, this place is like the ultimate hub for mystical stuff. And you dropped me here without a warning?¡± ¡°Host, your presence here is not accidental. This location aligns with your potential. However, your success or failure depends solely on you.¡± ¡°Great,¡± I muttered. ¡°No pressure or anything.¡± The system continued. ¡°Many travelers pass through these mountains¡ªmortals seeking shelter, cultivators searching for rare resources, and spirits drawn by the natural energy of this place. A tavern here would attract all manner of beings.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. ¡°So, it¡¯s not just a tavern¡ªit¡¯s a gathering place for everyone. Mortals, cultivators, and even spirits. That could work.¡± ¡°Shall I proceed to create the tavern, Host?¡± I nodded. ¡°Go for it. But, uh, make it classy, okay? I don¡¯t want some shabby inn that looks like it¡¯s falling apart.¡± The air around me shimmered, and a soft hum filled my ears. Before my eyes, the courtyard transformed. What had once been an empty, barren space was now a breathtaking tavern that seemed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The structure was made of dark wood, polished to a glossy sheen, with large windows that allowed the golden light from inside to spill out into the twilight. The roof curved gracefully, resembling the wings of a bird in flight, and intricate carvings adorned the beams, depicting scenes of nature and mythical creatures. The front door was wide and inviting, flanked by two lanterns that emitted a warm, steady glow. A stone path led up to the entrance, lined with flowering shrubs that filled the air with their sweet scent. Inside, the tavern was just as impressive. The space was open and airy, with high ceilings and large beams. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with jars of herbs, bottles of wine, and neatly folded linens. Long tables and benches filled the room, their surfaces smooth and polished. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth filled with a crackling fire that cast a cozy glow over the space. I stepped inside, marveling at the attention to detail. The air was warm and carried a faint hint of spices, as though the tavern itself was welcoming me. ¡°This¡­¡± I said, turning in a slow circle, ¡°is amazing.¡± ¡°The tavern is equipped with necessities for food preparation, storage, and lodging,¡± the system informed me. ¡°However, decorations are absent. You will need to handle that yourself.¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You built an entire tavern but couldn¡¯t throw in a vase or two?¡± ¡°Host, your creativity should be reflected in the decor. It is an opportunity for self-expression.¡± I snorted. ¡°Oh, sure. Self-expression through interior design. That¡¯s definitely my strong suit.¡± Once the initial awe wore off, I turned my attention back to the system. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s circle back to the important stuff. This world¡ªwhat¡¯s the deal with cultivation? Can I do it? Or am I stuck being the tavern guy while everyone else shoots fireballs and flies around?¡± The system¡¯s response was maddeningly cryptic. ¡°Cultivation is a path that requires determination, understanding, and perseverance. Whether you can cultivate depends entirely on you. I cannot assist in cultivation.¡± I frowned. ¡°But is it possible for me? Do I have the potential?¡± ¡°It is possible,¡± the system replied. ¡°However, success depends on your choices and actions.¡± I sighed. ¡°So basically, it¡¯s a yes, but also a maybe.¡± The system didn¡¯t respond, which I took as confirmation. ¡°Fine,¡± I said, crossing my arms. ¡°What about skills? Do I have anything useful to start with, or am I starting from scratch?¡± ¡°Host¡¯s life skills are all maxed out, and they become better and better moving forward.¡± I blinked. ¡°All maxed out? What does that mean?¡± ¡°Host possesses mastery in all non-combat skills, including cooking, cleaning, crafting, and brewing. These skills will aid you in managing the tavern and interacting with others.¡± A slow grin spread across my face. ¡°So, I¡¯m basically a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to life skills? That¡¯s not bad.¡± ¡°Indeed. However, life skills alone are insufficient for survival in a world where strength often determines one¡¯s fate.¡± My grin faltered. ¡°Thanks for the reminder, system. Real mood booster, that one.¡± After the system went silent again, I took another look around the tavern. It was a masterpiece, no doubt, but it felt empty. It lacked personality, warmth¡ªthe little touches that made a place feel alive. ¡°Well,¡± I said, rolling up my sleeves. ¡°If the system won¡¯t do it, I guess it¡¯s up to me. Time to make this place my own.¡± With a deep breath, I stepped outside and gazed at the mountains. The stars were beginning to appear, their light casting a silvery glow over the peaks. ¡°This is my starting point,¡± I said quietly. ¡°A tavern at the crossroads of three worlds. It¡¯s not exactly where I expected to end up, but maybe it¡¯s exactly where I¡¯m supposed to be.¡± I chuckled to myself. ¡°And who knows? Maybe running a tavern won¡¯t be so bad. After all, everyone needs a place to rest, eat, and share their stories. And maybe, just maybe, I¡¯ll find my own story along the way.¡± With that thought, I turned back to the tavern, ready to take the first step in this strange, new world. Chapter 4: Research, Stew, and a Deal Chapter 4: Research, Stew, and a Deal The stars blanketed the sky in a sprawling expanse of brilliance as I stood outside the tavern. It was new yet timeless, exuding a sense of both comfort and possibility. The soft, golden glow spilling from its windows painted the stone path with a warm hue, beckoning me to step inside. But something held me back¡ªa nagging sense of unpreparedness. I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "What am I even doing?" It wasn¡¯t the tavern itself that intimidated me. It was the unfamiliarity of this world. Back in my previous life, I could navigate the complexities of modern society with ease. But here? Here, I didn¡¯t even know the price of a loaf of bread, let alone how to price a bowl of stew or a mug of ale. I turned away, glancing at the surrounding mountains cloaked in shadow under the moonlight. ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I muttered. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll figure it all out.¡± And with that, I trudged back to the courtyard beside the tavern, rolled out the mat I¡¯d been using as a makeshift bed, and let the cool night breeze lull me to sleep. The dawn arrived with a symphony of birdsong, their melodies weaving through the crisp morning air. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the ground. I stretched, feeling the stiffness of the night leave my body, and took a deep breath of the mountain air. ¡°Alright,¡± I said, brushing the dust from my clothes. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡± I strode purposefully toward the tavern door, only to pause mid-step. ¡°How am I supposed to run this place if I don¡¯t even know what things cost?¡± I muttered to myself, the weight of my ignorance pressing down like a physical burden. The realization stung. This wasn¡¯t the modern world, where a quick internet search could solve all my problems. I needed to understand the local economy, the culture, and the people. ¡°Research first,¡± I decided, turning toward the trail that led down to the village. ¡°Tavern later.¡± The village unfolded before me like something out of a fairy tale. Nestled in the heart of the valley, it seemed almost untouched by time. The rooftops of the houses were coated in a thin layer of morning dew, glistening in the sunlight like tiny jewels. The air was filled with the soft murmur of a nearby stream, its clear waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the wildflowers that grew along its banks. The houses were a mix of stone and wood, their construction sturdy yet charming. Thick wooden beams supported sloping roofs, some of which were adorned with dried herbs and flowers hanging in bundles. The scent of fresh bread, wood smoke, and earthy soil mingled in the air, creating a tapestry of aromas that was both comforting and invigorating. Villagers bustled about, their voices forming a cheerful hum of activity. Farmers carried baskets of freshly harvested produce, their faces flushed from the morning exertion. Children darted through the narrow streets, their laughter ringing out like bells as they played games only they understood.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. For a moment, I simply stood there, letting it all wash over me. ¡°It¡¯s like stepping into another world,¡± I whispered, a faint smile tugging at my lips. The market square was the heart of the village, alive with energy and color. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each one bursting with goods that ranged from fresh vegetables and fruits to handmade trinkets and tools. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices blending into a chaotic yet harmonious symphony of salesmanship. I wandered from stall to stall, careful not to stand out too much. My goal was simple: observe and learn. It didn¡¯t take long to notice a pattern. Prices were largely determined by weight and quality, though the occasional bout of haggling added an unpredictable element. Fruits and vegetables were measured in baskets or bundles, meats were priced by the cut, and dried goods were sold in small cloth pouches. The currency was straightforward: small silver coins, worn smooth from use, exchanged hands with a practiced ease. One particular stall caught my eye. It was a modest setup, but the aroma wafting from it was irresistible. The vendor, a plump woman with rosy cheeks and a warm smile, stood behind a large pot of steaming stew. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn¡¯t eaten since yesterday. ¡°One bowl, please,¡± I said, fishing out a silver coin and handing it to her. She gave me a curious look before handing over the bowl. The first spoonful was a revelation. The stew was rich and hearty, with tender chunks of chicken swimming in a thick, flavorful broth. Carrots, potatoes, and herbs added layers of texture and taste, each bite a testament to the vendor¡¯s skill. I couldn¡¯t help but close my eyes, savoring the warmth that spread through my body. ¡°This,¡± I said aloud, ¡°is art in a bowl.¡± The vendor chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡± ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± I asked, grinning sheepishly. She nodded. ¡°Your clothes, your accent, even the way you hold the spoon¡ªit¡¯s all different.¡± I laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. ¡°Guess I¡¯ve got a lot to learn.¡± As I wandered further into the market, I came across a butcher¡¯s stall that seemed to draw a steady stream of customers. The vendor was a burly man with a thick beard and arms that looked like they could lift an ox. He worked with practiced precision, slicing through meat with a cleaver that gleamed in the sunlight. Curiosity piqued, I approached the stall. ¡°Morning,¡± I said, nodding in greeting. The man looked up and grinned. ¡°Morning, stranger. What can I get for you?¡± ¡°Just browsing,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m new to the area, trying to get a feel for things.¡± He raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t look like the hunting type. What brings you to my stall?¡± ¡°I¡¯m planning to open a tavern nearby,¡± I explained. ¡°Might need a reliable source for fresh meat.¡± His expression shifted to one of interest. ¡°A tavern, huh? In the mountains?¡± I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s still a work in progress, but I¡¯ll need quality ingredients once it¡¯s up and running.¡± The butcher, whose name I later learned was Feng, stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Tell you what, stranger. You buy from me exclusively, and I¡¯ll make sure you get the best cuts at a fair price.¡± I extended a hand. ¡°Deal.¡± He shook it firmly. ¡°You won¡¯t regret it. I¡¯ll even deliver to your door¡ªno extra charge.¡± ¡°Now that,¡± I said, smiling, ¡°is what I call service.¡± By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a warm golden glow, I felt both exhausted and accomplished. I¡¯d spent the entire day observing, learning, and asking subtle questions, all while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace. As I made my way back up the mountain trail, the day¡¯s events played through my mind. ¡°People are people,¡± I mused, gazing at the stars beginning to emerge in the evening sky. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s the modern world or a world of cultivators. Honesty, good food, and a bit of kindness go a long way.¡± The tavern stood waiting for me at the top of the trail, its light shining like a beacon in the gathering darkness. Tomorrow, I would start shaping it into a place worthy of its surroundings¡ªa haven for travelers, a crossroads of stories, and perhaps, a home for myself. - - -