Tiandou City,
the bustling imperial capital, its streets paved with blue brick, each broad enough to rival the main thoroughfares of Soto City. Only "grand" could describe its scale.
Yun Chuan wandered these avenues in simple white, long black hair flowing. Masked by his disguise soul tool, his face was ordinary, but his striking eyes drew admiring looks from passing girls—some things simply can't be hidden.
Close to noon, Yun Chuan postponed seeking out Xue Jie and decided to have lunch first. Even with five elements cycling endlessly within, supporting his energy even without food, he chose to indulge. Eating is one of life's pleasures—without it, what fun is living?
He was drawn to an exquisitely decorated restaurant, "Food Is Heaven."
Even from a distance, the alluring aroma led Yun Chuan toward it, confirming his lunch destination.
Soul Land's customs are a fusion of ancient Chinese and medieval European styles—a hodgepodge world. Hotels, taverns, and restaurants blend modern and old; Food Is Heaven looked traditionally ancient, yet had electric lights and other modern touches.
Crossing the threshold, Yun Chuan was greeted by a courteous waiter:
"Welcome, honored guest. Dining in the main hall or a second-floor private room?"
"Second floor," Yun Chuan replied.
"Please, this way." He was shown to a modest private box, warmly appointed with plants and a view of the street below and distant cityscape.
Handed the menu, Yun Chuan ordered a few signature dishes and waved the waiter away.
"Please wait."
With professional speed, several servers soon arrived, trolleying covered dishes. Each, when unveiled, released mouthwatering aromas. Once the staff departed, Yun Chuan savored his meal in peace.
Signature dishes here used ingredients from high-year soul beasts; both meat and vegetables were delicacies benefiting body and soul power. No wonder this meal alone cost 10,000 gold soul coins—a fortune even for most cultivators.
Still, having eaten well and satisfied, Yun Chuan paid without concern— Spirit Hall's funding for the Holy Son ensured he never ran short.
Exiting, he strolled down the corridor in a relaxed mood.
Then, a group approached:
A richly-dressed youth in the lead, exuding arrogance, trailed by well-dressed hangers-on—the classic "prodigal son" crowd.
As they neared, Yun Chuan paid them no mind, intent on passing quietly. Yet one of the young nobles deliberately moved to shoulder-bump him.
Bang!
The youth collided with Yun Chuan and rebounded as if hitting a wall, tumbling backward.
Yun Chuan ignored him, continuing onward, but these 'young masters' quickly grew indignant.
"Stop!"
Born to noble families—accustomed to abusing others—they weren't used to being ignored.
Yun Chuan paused, not turning: "Something you need?"
"Ha! You lowly peasant, you think you can bump into us and just walk away?" sneered the lead youth, reversing the truth.
Despite initiating the altercation, he tried to twist the facts.
"Oh? What are you hoping for?" Yun Chuan turned, amused rather than angry—almost entertained by the cliché scenario.
He even mused the leader's demeanor felt forced—his true self likely nothing like the spoiled facade.
"Kneel down and lick our shoes clean, then we'll let it go," one sidekick barked. "Do you know who's standing before you? This is His Highness the Fourth Prince—Xue Beng!"
The lead youth assumed a snobbish, upturned-nose stance.
(End of Chapter 112)