It was already late at night when they returned to Crouching Tiger Manor.
None of them had eaten dinner, and their stomachs were growling.
In fact, they had eaten nothing since breakfast that morning. By now, they were so hungry their bellies felt pressed against their backbones.
Wang Daniu's stomach even rumbled from time to time, as though an ox were beating a drum inside it.
"Come on, my treat." Commander Li smiled helplessly. "The restaurant at the foot of the mountain is pretty good. You all worked hard today. Let's reward ourselves with a proper meal."
The group headed down the mountain and feasted at the restaurant.
Braised pork, sauced beef, roast chicken, and stewed fish filled an entire table.
Wang Daniu alone polished off seven bowls of rice, grease coating his lips as he kept declaring how satisfying it was.
Mo Yun ate heartily too. Although things had gone fairly smoothly toward the end, the whole day's running around had taken a considerable toll on both his body and mind. Only after the steaming food settled in his stomach did he finally feel fully recovered.
During the meal, Zhou Tieshan stood with his wine cup, insisting on drinking a bowl to Mo Yun.
Sincerity filled the bearded man's face as he said in his rough voice, "Brother Mo, if it weren't for you today, I would've left my life at Blackstone Stronghold. Words of thanks can't repay such a great debt. If you ever need anything, just say the word!"
Mo Yun raised his bowl and clinked it against his. "You're too kind, Brother Zhou. We're fellow guards. Helping each other is only right."
Sun Yi came over to offer a toast as well. The shrewd young man had suffered quite a fright that day, and his face