Seeing Lu Ren's unusual interest, Zhang Yan launched into a practiced, tireless introduction. "Chentai City has Nine Wards and Inner City. We came in through the South City Gate; this place is called Baihan Ward. It is known for calligraphy, paintings, music, and chess, and most scholars and refined gentlemen gather in this ward. Did you see the lanterns by the street? The light inside comes from Warmstone.
But the place most worth lingering in is Nine Eyes Ward. That's where all the brothels and inns are gathered. Those ladies, truly, are all shapes and sizes, and what they wear is..."
"Uncle Zhang!!" Chen Ling interrupted Zhang Yan with a reproachful look.
Zhang Yan promptly wiped the lecherous expression from his face and coughed twice. "Hero, I still don't know your name. May I ask your surname?"
"My name is Lu Yi," Lu Ren answered casually.
It was safer to use an alternate identity while away from home.
"Brother Lu, would it be all right if I call you that?"
"Whatever."
Seeing that Lu Ren did not mind, Zhang Yan beamed. "We've been in the underworld for so long that we're already starving. How about I treat you to something good today?"
Lu Ren nodded. "Sure."
Zhang Yan found a restaurant and ordered a table full of dishes. Then he rose, patted the wooden box containing the Frostcoagulating Grass, and smiled. "Brother Lu, eat slowly. I'll be right back. It won't take long!"
He then turned to Chen Ling. "Little Ling, keep Brother Lu company while he eats. Don't offend him!"
He still vividly remembered that this was the Ruthless One who had charged out of the Ghost Domain Battlefield!
With her mouth stuffed full, Chen Ling nodded repeatedly, most of her attention fixed on the dishes covering the table.