"Then let's go to Heyang City first!" Everyone agreed. After packing up quickly, they headed north.
The group consisted of seven people, plus two lively, adorable pets. They climbed every mountain they came across and crossed every river. At Luo Yunji's insistence, Zhang Xiaofan carried a bamboo basket nearly a meter tall, packed so full it was almost bursting.
Once they entered Heyang City, He Dazhi led them to the city's finest restaurant, the Mountain and Sea Pavilion.
They had planned to book a few rooms at random, just somewhere they could rest. But the proprietor saw that their group was large and had brought two pets. More importantly, all seven wore the Azure Cloud Sect's robes, so he suggested they stay in the separate courtyard behind the inn.
Wu Dayi and He Dazhi discussed it, then accepted.
Everyone returned to their rooms, changed out of their Azure Cloud Sect robes, and put on ordinary clothes. At Little Fatty's strong insistence, they went to the restaurant in the front courtyard.
"Waiter, bring out every signature dish you have!" As soon as they sat down, Sixth Senior Brother called out loudly, beating Little Fatty to it.
"Coming right up! Please wait a moment, sir. I'll hurry to the kitchen and make sure they get started. Your dishes will be out in no time!" The waiter had already been instructed by the proprietor not to neglect this group. Hearing the call, he hurried over with a broad smile and answered.
Before long, one delicious dish after another was brought to the table.
The last dish was a plate of freshly stewed fish. The fish had an elongated body, rounded at the front and narrow at the sides near the tail. Its body was dark brown, with two pairs of long, thick barbels.