The Ghost Capital Gates Open

Lu Cheng saw how determined Xiao Ran was and stopped trying to persuade him.

"We don't often get the chance to reunite like this. Today, we drink until we drop. I'll go make a few of my specialties."

Wu Man stood up. "Old Lu, what do you want to eat?"

"Would you make a stew? To be honest, I haven't had one in years."

Years ago, it was a stew Wu Man had made that finally coaxed Lu Cheng out of the village. Now, after all this time, Lu Cheng truly missed the taste.

"No problem."

For Wu Man, this was an easy task. He got the stove going and set a pot over the fire. Before long, he was cooking.

While they waited, Xiao Ran asked about Gao Yuting.

"What do you think? Every time she sees me, she's either cursing you or on her way to curse you. But don't worry. You know Yuting's temperament. At worst, she'll beat you up, and that'll be the end of it."

Xiao Ran had to admit that made sense.

At worst, he'd have to kneel on a washboard when he got back. Besides, a couple could fight at the head of the bed and make up at the foot of it. There was no lasting grudge between spouses.

"Come on, come on! Dinner's ready!"

Before long, Wu Man called out. Xiao Ran brought out the fine liquor he'd swiped from Beast Lord's room. The others dug into the stew and Wu Man's specialties without holding back. They sat outside the tent, eating, laughing, and drinking.

The bonfire dwindled, and the eastern sky paled with the first light of dawn.

The aroma of last night's stew seemed to linger on their tongues, dispelling some of the gloom. But that brief warmth was