Not even Lan could stop me!

Xianzhou Luofu.

Starskiff Haven.

Jiang Yao stared at the smiling fox lady across from him, lost in thought.

Wait, what was going on?

Wasn't that damned Phantylia supposed to be with the main cast?

Why was she the one welcoming me?

Where exactly had things gone wrong?

Could my ancient memories be faulty?

Or was this more fictional narrative nonsense?

Uh, it seemed this was my fault...

Never mind, then~

"Oh, you must be Jiang Yao?"

"You certainly are a fine-looking young man."

"My name is Tingyun, a trade envoy for the Luofu's Sky-Faring Commission merchant guild."

"On the orders of Lady Yukong, our Helmsman, I've come to welcome our guest from the Astral Express."

Phantylia introduced herself as Tingyun.

"Uh, hello, Miss Tingyun."

Jiang Yao wore a strange expression.

Only heaven knew how weird it felt to say the name Tingyun out loud.

Phantylia, why were you wearing Tingyun's clothes?!

"Oh my, a distinguished guest indeed."

Phantylia produced a folding fan, lightly covering her alluring lips as she spoke with a smile.

Jiang Yao ignored it.

Instead, he got straight to the point.

"Miss Tingyun, I'm sure my companions told you why I came, so let's not waste any time. How about going straight to Aurum Alley?"

Jiang Yao couldn't be bothered to get into it with Phantylia.

As long as that damned woman didn't provoke him, she could do whatever she liked.

Jiang Yao's original purpose had never changed.

Eat to live!

Live to eat!

Aurum Alley was the Luofu's famous food street.

If it wasn't his first stop, then his trip to the Luofu would have been wasted!

Phantylia's expression froze on the spot.

Aurum Alley?!

Seriously, you damned nuisance, it was almost evening, and you weren't going to meet your companions or get some rest?

Instead, you wanted to go to bloody Aurum Alley?!

What was wrong with you?!

"Wouldn't you like to meet up with your companions first?"

"Besides, it's getting late. The Sky-Faring Commission has booked a fine room at the Dust-Cleansing Inn. Why don't you come with me to the inn for a cup of tea and a night's rest, then set out tomorrow?"

Phantylia tried to persuade him in a gentle voice.

She had a mission to carry out today.

Accompanying Jiang Yao wasn't convenient.

If she went to Aurum Alley with him...

It would be hard to find an excuse to slip away.

"If you have something to do, Miss Tingyun, please go ahead. Just point me in the right direction."

"I'm going to Aurum Alley tonight! Not even Lan can stop me."

Jiang Yao's tone was firm.

Lunatic... Phantylia cursed inwardly.

Yet she put on a smile and said, "This is your first visit to the Luofu. How could I possibly let you go unaccompanied? Since you wish to go, I'll lead the way."

It was only because "Lan" sounded exactly like "stop" in their language.

Otherwise, Phantylia would certainly have given it more thought—

Who would dare address the Aeon of the Hunt by name?

Unfortunately, Phantylia had no idea.

She thought it over. Fine, Aurum Alley it was.

Even if Jiang Yao had a big appetite, how long could he possibly eat?

Once you finished eating, you'd have to go back, wouldn't you?

Surely you couldn't eat all night?

With Phantylia guiding him, Jiang Yao took a Starskiff to Aurum Alley.

Aurum Alley was just like it was in the game.

There were very few people.

The layout was downright bleak, too.

Undoubtedly, that was because Aurum Alley's revitalization plan hadn't happened yet.

But Jiang Yao didn't care.

Though Aurum Alley had few visitors at the moment, its food offerings were complete, and he could even skip the queues.

How wonderful~

Jiang Yao had always believed that the greatest respect one could show food was to devote oneself wholeheartedly to savoring it.

It wasn't just about the taste of the food itself.

There was also the transformation of its original ingredients, as well as the local food culture.

These all added to the experience, letting people immerse themselves fully in the pleasure of good food.

The Luofu was best known for four snacks.

Dream Tapir Roll.

Singing Lotus Root Cake.

Come take a look...

Pah!

The other two were Hot Floating Mutton Milk and Qiongshi Bird Skewers.

Plenty of establishments could make these four snacks.

But for the most authentic versions, Aurum Alley was still the first choice.

Authenticity was the whole selling point of this neighborhood.

If one were talking about the pinnacle of dining on the Luofu, though, that would have to be Supreme Flavor Garden.

But Jiang Yao wasn't picky, as long as it wasn't a Stellaron or Himeko's coffee.

He could eat anything!

"Aurum Alley isn't what it used to be. If you'd like to enjoy a good meal, I recommend Delicious Supreme. The people who know about it and eat there are all Luofu locals. The food is delicious and affordable, and their cooking methods are quite distinctive."

Phantylia took playing Tingyun seriously.

She even gave Jiang Yao an explanation.

So much so that Jiang Yao began to suspect Phantylia was a transmigrator like him, equipped with a role-playing system.

Still, what Phantylia said was indeed correct.

Delicious Supreme had already been on Jiang Yao's list.

"Since you recommend it, Miss Tingyun, I'll take a look."

The excitement on Jiang Yao's face wasn't an act at all.

Phantylia chatted pleasantly, a smile on her lips, while a flicker of impatience flashed through her eyes.

She had her reasons for recommending Delicious Supreme to Jiang Yao.

The flavor was naturally one of them.

The second, of course, was that Delicious Supreme served its food quickly and in large portions.

Once Jiang Yao finished eating, wouldn't he hurry right back?

Phantylia felt helpless, too.

Honestly, Yukong, taking precautions against the Astral Express was one thing, but why pick me to keep an eye on Jiang Yao?

Didn't you know I was busy destroying your Luofu?!

I'd remember this grudge!

Jiang Yao had no idea how much was going on in Phantylia's head.

With light steps, he soon arrived at Delicious Supreme.

Aurum Alley wasn't particularly bustling overall, with few diners coming and going.

Delicious Supreme was different, though. It was quite popular.

That alone showed how good Delicious Supreme was.

Jiang Yao grew even more eager.

"Chef Yan Cui, we'd like to order."

Phantylia called out for Jiang Yao without being asked.

Whatever complaints Phantylia might have been making to herself...

She really did put in the work!

"Sure, coming!"

Chef Yan Cui came over at the call.

She had just finished her work in the shop and happened to have time to attend to customers.

Besides, she knew Tingyun.

"Chef Yan Cui, sorry for the trouble, but could you introduce your signature dishes to this guest?"

Phantylia gestured for Yan Cui to attend to Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao smiled and nodded to Yan Cui in greeting.

"Of course! Delicious Supreme is a time-honored establishment here in Aurum Alley. Our specialty is [Awakening Garden Cuisine]. And as it happens, today is Thursday."

"Every Thursday, we hold [Creative Thursday] and serve some unusual dishes with special flavors."

"It's a way to give the Xianzhou's seasoned food lovers a little variety and fun."

Yan Cui explained everything clearly.

Jiang Yao kept nodding as he listened.

Excellent.

Coming to the Xianzhou was the right choice!

Just hearing about it was making his mouth water!

Jiang Yao swept his hand out. "Chef Yan Cui, what dishes can you make right now? Bring me one of everything!"

Yan Cui: "...Huh?"

Phantylia: "???"

Phantylia blinked. What had she just heard?

One of every dish? Were you a pig, eating that much?

But remembering that she still had to keep smiling only made her angrier.

With a stiff smile, Phantylia said, "Dear guest, you may not know this, but Delicious Supreme is very generous with its portions. One dish is more than enough for an ordinary person."

"One of every dish... Wasting food isn't a good habit."

Yan Cui also smiled. "That's right, sir. We don't take advantage of our customers at Delicious Supreme. You really should order a little less."

Jiang Yao waved dismissively, swallowing his saliva as he explained:

"Don't worry, Chef Yan Cui. I can eat a lot! No matter how bad it tastes, I can eat it! I absolutely won't waste anything!"

"Please don't be upset, Miss Tingyun. The Xianzhou doesn't need to foot my bill. To tell you the truth, a rich woman is keeping me, so I've got plenty of money!"