Chapter Twenty-Two of Volume Two: Celestial Melody Town

Meng Fang, curious, reached out to take the long staff and examined it closely. After studying it for a while, he swung the staff at a nearby boulder. With a thunderous crash, the boulder shattered into dust, yet the staff itself remained unscathed.

"What a treasure! The material of your innate magical weapon seems no weaker than my pair of ox horns. It should be a spiritual artifact," Meng Fang said, handing the staff back to Yu Mu. "But do you know what innate abilities this staff possesses?"

Yu Mu held the staff, attempting to sense its power, but found nothing remarkable. With a bitter smile, he replied, "None."

"Don't be discouraged, brother. Perhaps you simply haven't discovered them yet," Meng Fang laughed heartily. "Do you know any techniques for wielding this staff?"

"Staff techniques?" Yu Mu thought for a moment, then suddenly recalled, "Meng Fang, I once secretly observed a set of staff moves. Let me show you."

With that, Yu Mu assumed a stance and performed the staff technique.

"Brother, while this staff technique is quite refined, it lacks the art of controlling magical weapons. It seems more like martial arts practiced by mortals, not a Daoist technique," Meng Fang remarked.

"You have sharp eyes, Meng Fang. This is indeed a mortal's staff technique," Yu Mu replied.

It was the mortal version of the Proud Bone Heavenly Staff.

"Without the art of controlling magical weapons, its power is limited. Human techniques aren't suited for our cultivation. Those forged from one's own Dao are far better at unleashing the potential of innate magical artifacts. Brother, you should strive to comprehend your own path and develop techniques compatible with it," Meng Fang advised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Meng Fang. I will devote myself to diligent cultivation," Yu Mu promised.

"Good. For now, you lack any defensive techniques, so use this staff technique as a stopgap. Comprehending your Dao is not achieved overnight," Meng Fang said.

"Understood. Meng Fang, during my inner inspection earlier, I discovered something strange inside me—could you help me understand it?" Yu Mu asked.

"Oh? Tell me about it," Meng Fang urged.

"I found a cavity inside me, as though it held another space. I don't quite understand..." Yu Mu began.

"An inner space!?" Meng Fang exclaimed, interrupting Yu Mu.

"What is an inner space?" Yu Mu inquired.

Instead of answering immediately, Meng Fang took out some leftover rations from the previous night. "I possess an inner space as well."

"So you have one too, Meng Fang?"

"Mine is different. It wasn't innate, but was created by a Daoist friend of my father's using Daoist arts—not a gift of nature. Try putting these rations inside to see if it's truly an inner space," Meng Fang suggested.

Yu Mu followed instructions, placing the rations into the tree cavity. Sure enough, they could be stored. The rations floated as if in a vacuum, suspended in the space.

Yu Mu reached into his chest and the rations appeared in his hand once again.

"Ha ha, congratulations, Brother Gada! This is a rare innate divine power. Your ability can grow—in fact, I've heard the most powerful can even trap others inside!" Meng Fang exclaimed.

"That can't be, it's so small right now," Yu Mu said doubtfully.

"Of course not yet, but as you become stronger, it will expand," Meng Fang explained. Yu Mu was delighted, and Meng Fang shared in his joy.

"Meng Fang, what exactly is a sacred artifact?"

"Such sacred objects are treasures of heaven and earth. I've never even seen one..." The two continued their cheerful conversation as they walked.

Their personalities were similar, their temperaments aligned. After a day together, they had become as close as brothers, mutually admiring each other.

A few days later, they finally emerged from the forest and arrived at a bustling little town.

Cultivating as they traveled, Meng Fang shared stories of the world. After a month, Yu Mu gained a whole new understanding of this realm.

This place was called Immortal Melody Town, a small branch of the Joyful Dao sect. Joyful Dao was the sect where Xiao Mei and Shu'er belonged. Meng Fang had visited several times before, so he was familiar with the area.

Dusty from their journey, the two entered Immortal Melody Town. Although small, its strategic location made it lively and prosperous.

Meng Fang, experienced and confident, led the way to an inn called "Drunken Haven." The three-story inn boasted carved beams and painted pillars, exuding grandeur and exquisite decoration—surely the finest establishment in town.

The moment they entered, a rich aroma of wine filled the air. Meng Fang guided Yu Mu straight to the third floor, settling at a window seat.

Yu Mu looked around; perhaps it was not yet mealtime, for aside from them, the inn was empty.

No sooner had they sat down than a waiter approached. "Gentlemen, what would you like to eat?"

As he spoke, the waiter sized them up, but their unusual appearances did not seem to bother them.

"A vegetarian banquet, two jars of Green Fruit Wine. Prepare some flatbread and assorted dried and fresh fruits for the road, and bring extra wine for me to take away," Meng Fang ordered, handing over a dull yellow crystal to the waiter.

This crystal was the currency of the realm, known as Spirit Crystals. Spirit Crystals served not only as money but as a vital energy source for cultivators. With various uses, Spirit Crystals were used by Peachwood Dao to power teleportation arrays, though those had higher grade and different attributes than the ordinary currency.

"Very well!" The waiter took the Spirit Crystal and left.

Soon, a sumptuous spread appeared on the table. Meng Fang picked up a jar of wine, broke the clay seal, and handed it to Yu Mu.

The fragrance was intoxicating—the very aroma they'd encountered upon entering.

"This Green Fruit Wine is the inn's specialty. I've tasted it a few times—it's quite good, though potent, so drink responsibly. Come, let me toast you first," Meng Fang said, breaking the seal on his own jar and pouring a bowl. With a bold shout, he raised his bowl and downed it in one gulp.

Yu Mu, who had not enjoyed drinking in his previous life and would be tipsy after a single beer, found himself drawn to the fine wine before him. Meng Fang's exuberance was infectious, so he mimicked his companion, downing the bowl in one go.

"What fine wine!" they exclaimed in unison.

Yu Mu noticed that the Green Fruit Wine was not only rich in flavor but rapidly replenished spiritual energy, even faster than absorbing the essence of heaven and earth through his tree body.

Meng Fang differed from Yu Mu; his physical and spiritual strength was replenished mainly through food. He ate and drank voraciously, devouring nearly all the dishes.

Before long, both jars of wine were empty.

"Bring two more," Meng Fang called, wiping his mouth and exhaling wine fumes. "Brother, you have quite the tolerance! Wonderful, it's been a truly enjoyable drink today."

Yu Mu was quietly astonished at his newfound capacity—how had he become so able to drink? Not only was he unaffected by the alcohol, but he felt more alert with each cup.

The two exchanged toasts, drinking heartily, and in no time had consumed ten jars of Green Fruit Wine. Meng Fang was showing signs of drunkenness, while Yu Mu remained as energetic as ever.

"Hey, you two, move over," came a fragrant breeze, and a girl of eighteen or nineteen appeared beside them.