What Was That Young Man, a God or a Devil?

Was this young man a god or a devil?

He had just crippled the City Guard with a method no one had ever heard of, yet now he sat there as if nothing had happened, like an ordinary father gently wiping the dust from his child's face.

That extreme contrast chilled people more than any fearsome appearance ever could.

When the proprietor saw that Xuanyuan wasn't answering, cold sweat broke out across his forehead.

Remembering Xuanyuan's words—"Make a big fuss"—he shuddered and shouted into the kitchen, "Are you all dead in there? Didn't you hear our honored guest? Bring out every signature dish from Yuelai Inn—the Dragon Phoenix Presents Auspiciousness, the Eight Treasures Glazed, the Treading Snow to Find Plum Blossoms... all of them! As fast as you can! If you keep our honored guest waiting, I'll skin you alive!"

His shout broke the dead silence.

A clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen, and the servants snapped out of their daze and hurried into motion.

Before long, exquisite dishes, each like a work of art, were brought out, filling the air with their fragrance.

Xuanyuan picked up a clean pair of jade chopsticks and lifted a small piece of tender fish belly. He carefully removed every tiny bone, blew on it to cool it, then brought it to Xiao Xi's lips. "Here, Xiao Xi, try this. It'll help you grow tall."

Xiao Xi opened her little mouth with an "ah" and obediently ate the fish. Her eyes narrowed happily into two crescent moons.

Xuanyuan smiled, but didn't eat a bite himself. He simply continued serving Xiao Xi, as if none of the delicacies on the table could compare to the sight of the little girl's contented smile.

Just then, heavy, rhythmic footsteps sounded outside the inn.

"Clang!