Volume Two, Chapter Thirty-Nine: The City of Fairies

“I must inform Lord Skyhold of this matter as soon as possible, lest you two fall victim to their schemes again. Old Poison Leaf and his son have committed a grave offense; the lord will never let them off lightly.”

Meng Fang hurriedly replied, “Aunt Goose, you mustn’t! This absolutely cannot be told to my uncle.”

Aunt Goose was greatly surprised. “Why not?”

“Aunt Goose, you know my uncle’s character. He has always been exceedingly kind to me. If he learns of this, he will never let it rest. Though my uncle stands above his foes, that Old Fiery Venom is no easy opponent. If the two were to truly come to blows—Saint against Saint—the outcome would be uncertain! Besides, as cultivators, we must take responsibility for our own actions. It would be unseemly to run to one’s elders for shelter at every grievance. If the two of us are too weak and lose our lives to another, then that is our destined end as cultivators. Without such resolve, how can we hope to attain the Great Dao?”

“Good lad, you have spirit!” Aunt Goose clapped her hands and praised him. “Your uncle’s affection was not in vain. Since your mind is set, I shall heed your wishes.” She then added, “But for the next few days, you two must rest and recover in peace. That brat Ye Yun, spoiled rotten by his father, will never let this go with his vengeful nature. Though he may not dare retaliate openly, you must beware of hidden dangers. While you’re healing, don’t venture outside again. Once you’re well, I’ll escort you to see your uncle.”

“Agreed! Thank you, Aunt Goose.”

After Aunt Goose departed, the two settled down to recuperate. Five days later, their wounds were healed.

Aunt Goose led them to a basement, where a small teleportation array transported them to a different underground chamber. Ascending to the main floor, a vast teleportation array appeared before them.

Hearing the bustle of the crowds outside, Yu Mu immediately realized where they had arrived.

The array activated. The two bid farewell to those present, and as the light surged, they vanished into the formation.

It was Yu Mu’s first time traveling by teleportation array. It felt as if they’d passed through a door—one moment of brightness, and they stood in a different array.

“Haha! Is that you, Bull Brother? I wondered why the teleportation array was activated today—thought a distinguished guest was arriving, but it’s just you, brat!”

As their eyes adjusted, they saw a burly fellow, about the same build as Meng Fang, already embracing him in a bear hug.

“Brother Gu! Haha, it’s been ages! How have you been?” Meng Fang was delighted to see him.

“Come, let me introduce you to a good friend of mine. This is Brother Gada—Brother Gada, this is Brother Gu Yuangu,” Meng Fang said, pulling both their hands together.

“Brother Gu,” Yu Mu greeted.

“Brother Gada!” Gu Yuangu replied, and due to their height difference, he simply lifted Yu Mu off his feet. The strength of his embrace left Yu Mu nearly breathless.

Yet, Yu Mu found the man’s forthrightness and sincerity deeply appealing, and took an instant liking to this rugged and hearty Brother Gu.

“Come on, let’s find somewhere to drink. Today, I won’t stop until I’ve drunk you under the table!” Gu Yuangu dragged them along.

“Me? Drunk by you? You’re dreaming. If you can out-drink my brother here, I’ll admit defeat.”

“Brother Gada, you think your small frame can hold its liquor? I’ll have to see for myself today—hahaha!”

The three of them bantered as they left the teleportation array.

Once outside, Yu Mu was taken aback. The city was even larger than the City of Freedom, yet resembled a primitive settlement. There were only a handful of proper buildings; most structures were thatched huts, lean-to shelters, or even houses built in trees or caves.

The people here were odd as well—some walked around in half-human, half-beast forms, and even more appeared as full beasts.

Meng Fang explained that these were beast cultivators in the Dao Attainment stage, not yet able to fully assume human form. This place was a gathering ground for spirits and monsters—one of the three great spirit strongholds of the continent. Here, no one cared what guise you showed to the world. If not for the fact that a human shape was simply more convenient for work and movement, most, it seemed, would have preferred to reveal their true forms.

The taverns here were exceedingly crude—a mere lean-to of wood and stone, a few rickety tables and benches, and that was the entirety of their furnishings.

Gu Yuangu led them not inside, but to a spot outside, which turned out to be much more spacious and comfortable. They sat down on large logs and stones, and found it far more pleasant.

Outside, several bonfires burned, with racks of roasting meat sending mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air—these were for the carnivores.

In this land of beasts, where might makes right, there was little ceremony about eating and drinking. Gu Yuangu, who was a spirit-formed mastiff, ate everything but had a clear fondness for meat. He immediately ordered a whole roast leg of beef and devoured it in front of Meng Fang.

Among the beastfolk, such things were no taboo—just as Meng Fang relished peaches, Yu Mu saw nothing amiss, nor did he mind sharing his fruit.

Meng Fang was strictly herbivorous; Yu Mu himself was unsure of his own kind, and so had followed Meng Fang’s vegetarian ways. He cared little for what he ate, so long as it filled his belly, though now, no meal was complete without wine.

The spirits here were generally fond of drink, but their brewing skills lagged far behind those of humans—except for this establishment, which boasted a unique honey wine.

The proprietor, it turned out, was a spirit-formed bee, who had mastered the art of making wine from honey and flower nectar, earning him renown throughout the city. This, Gu Yuangu explained, was why he brought them here.

After hearing the story, Yu Mu took a tentative sip from his bowl—the wine was indeed sweet and fragrant, mellow with a unique aftertaste.

“Excellent wine! Brother Gu, may I take some with me?”

Gu Yuangu laughed heartily. “What’s the problem? That old bee and I have been drinking buddies for years. Take as much as you want—empty his cellars if you like, he wouldn’t dare complain. Wait here, I’ll fetch it for you.”

With that, Gu Yuangu stepped into the wooden shack and soon emerged with more than a dozen jars of wine.

Yu Mu was overjoyed.

He had reached the point where life without wine was unthinkable. Wine, for him, replenished his spiritual energy, and, secondly, he was gripped by a craving he could not suppress—a day without drink left him restless and uneasy.

The fine wine from Immortal Drunkard had been consumed during his recovery. This honey wine was no less exquisite, making it the perfect supply for the days to come.

Yu Mu made no pretense, grabbing the jars and stuffing them into his pouch. After just a few, he found there was no more room—his inner space was already crammed full of Bull Spirit Grass, leaving no space for all the wine.