Twists and Turns 1

Liao Ziqian was still somewhat bewildered. Out of habit, he looked to Xun Kun, who nodded and explained,

"Venerable Ran Xi is going to the Demon Realm to gain experience, and she happens to be traveling with us."

Only then did Liao Ziqian rise to his feet and respectfully thank Yunxi.

A short while later, the shopkeeper served a tableful of Spirit Cuisine, specialty dishes centered on spirit plants and spirit beast meat, supplemented by Spirit Tea. They were the signature offerings of the Elegant Tea House. Though outrageously expensive, quite a few cultivators ordered them, and Yunxi had planned to try them when she entered the Tea House.

Only after Yunxi and Xun Kun picked up their jade chopsticks did Liao Ziqian begin taking small bites. Since the Spirit Cuisine contained Spiritual Qi, some dishes with overly concentrated Spiritual Qi were simply beyond what the little one could eat. If he did, he would suffer the consequence of his body bursting apart.

Thus, when the Tea House attendant served the dishes, he specifically explained this. He had also separately prepared food suitable for Liao Ziqian, with the effect of cleansing his meridians and marrow. Liao Ziqian ate just as happily.

After the three had finished their Spirit Cuisine and begun savoring tea, Han Yang knocked on the door of the private room where Yunxi and the others were gathered.

"I am Han Yang. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xun Kun."

After Yunxi introduced them, Han Yang learned who Xun Kun was and immediately greeted him with a smile and cupped hands.

Xun Kun returned the greeting, then looked toward Yunxi, unable to understand why this male cultivator, flamboyant as a flower butterfly, had come looking for them.

Han Yang, meanwhile, spoke as though they were old acquaintances.

"Venerable Ran Xi, I