Fine Wine, Fair Times, a Gentleman's Pact

Yuwen Rui was right. The wine was good, and the meat was good.

The ten-year-aged Jade Hall Spring was mellow and rich upon entering the mouth, its warm fragrance soaking straight through his entire body, leaving an indescribable exhilaration in his chest and belly. The Sun-Shocking Salamander meat was exquisitely tender yet pleasantly chewy; with every bite, juices spilled forth. Beyond its natural aroma was a faint hint of spice. It truly was a fine flavor.

Fine wine and fine meat—this was the attitude Yuwen Rui had brought forth.

While he carved the meat and carefully tended the roast over the fire, Su Che stood nearby and slowly refilled the cups of the two men before him.

The little red-clay stove and flask used to warm the wine looked unremarkable, but once picked up, they weighed over a hundred jin. Clearly, Grand Preceptor Yuwen had put some careful thought into them as well.

"Lord Su has now ascended another level and finally has the chance to display the ambitions in his heart. Let me offer you a cup first. And A-Che, your progress has been astonishing. You are now the World Walker of the Yellow Heaven Sect, and even in the north I often hear the name of the Azure Emperor's reincarnation. You deserve a drink in celebration as well. With such fine times and good days before us, I shall pour myself another cup."

As he spoke, Yuwen Rui drained three cups in succession.

"If Grand Preceptor wishes to drink, why come all the way here? You could drink to your heart's content in Luoyang as well."

Old Su raised his cup. "On this trip south, Grand Preceptor, you have certainly had your fill of excitement. Poor lads of mine still have to stand guard for you."

"Didn't I