The proprietor stepped forward.
He opened the steamer, picked up a bun, and put it in his mouth. After finishing it in two or three bites, he closed his eyes and stood motionless.
Nearly half the time it took to drink a cup of tea passed.
Only then did he open his eyes.
He bowed deeply to Chen Lin. "Great master, please accept my bow!"
"You flatter me, proprietor. I'm no great master. I simply have a knack for making good food."
Chen Lin waved a hand.
"You're too modest, great master. This skill alone would secure you a place in any Mysterious District."
"What a pity."
The proprietor sighed wistfully.
"This world cannot accommodate overly powerful abilities. The Mysterious Districts are mere specks of land, destined to leave your wondrous skills gathering dust. Otherwise, you would surely become an important figure who dazzled the entire world."
"Hahaha."
Chen Lin laughed heartily.
"It seems you have lofty ambitions yourself, proprietor. But I don't care much about such things. All I want is to stay alive safely, travel around, and see the sights. Enjoying the beautiful scenery of this world would be enough for me."
At those words.
The proprietor first froze, then a gleam appeared in his eyes.
Looking at Chen Lin, he asked tentatively, "Could you have a way to resist the depletion of your lifespan, great master, allowing you to leave the Mysterious Districts at will?"
"No, I don't."
Chen Lin shook his head.
Then he said calmly, "But I'm not afraid of death."
The proprietor's expression stiffened.
Then he said solemnly, "You must be joking, master. Since ancient times, death alone has been the greatest hurdle. Who isn't afraid of dying? We must cherish our lives. If we live long enough, perhaps we'll see the world change,