"Very well. Since Benefactor Chu is being so hospitable, this humble monk will gladly accept."
Chu Yang smiled faintly. "Master is wise."
The three men and one horse quickened their pace and headed toward the small town ahead.
The town was called Qingshi Town. Though it was not large, it was bustling with activity.
Shops lined both sides of the streets, vendors' cries rose and fell, and pedestrians streamed endlessly past.
Chu Yang led Tang Monk and Sun Wukong to the largest restaurant in town—Yuelai Inn.
Yuelai Inn was a three-story building, with two large red lanterns hanging at its entrance. It looked quite grand.
"Welcome, honored guests! Please come in!"
A waiter warmly stepped forward and led the three of them into the restaurant.
Chu Yang booked three superior rooms and ordered a lavish spread of dishes.
"Master, Brother Monkey, let's eat first."
The three sat down at a table in the first-floor hall, and the waiter quickly brought out the food.
Braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables...
The table was piled high with dishes, perfect in color, fragrance, and flavor, enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Of course, all the dishes Chu Yang had ordered for Tang Monk were "vegetarian."
At least, they looked vegetarian on the surface.
"Master, please eat." Chu Yang pushed a bowl of "Vegetarian Braised Pork" toward Tang Monk.
Tang Monk looked at the enticingly colored "braised pork," his eyes full of anticipation.
"I have long experienced Benefactor Chu's cooking," he said with a smile. "I fear even this restaurant's chef cannot compare to Benefactor Chu."
Chu Yang smiled faintly. "Master flatters me. Though this restaurant's dishes cannot compare to mine, they have their own distinct flavor. Master, please give them a try."
Tang Monk picked up a