Atop the mountain, there was an inn.
The inn was named "There Is an Inn."
There Is an Inn was built against the mountainside, with a forest nearby.
It had no competitors and enjoyed a uniquely favorable location.
Of course, it would have been strange to find anyone in such a remote wilderness.
Neither Li Ping'an nor Monk Changqing had expected to find an inn in a place like this.
Even more surprising was how many people were inside.
"Ah, honored guests, please come in!"
An enthusiastic waiter ushered the two of them into the inn.
Two young Daoists were drinking and chatting.
A burly man with thick eyebrows and a purple face sat in a corner.
Several others sat together around a wooden table.
A jug of wine and a few small dishes sat on the table.
Their faces were all flushed, and they were tipsy; one look made it clear they had drunk quite a lot.
"Oh, honored guests, where have you come from?"
The proprietress, dressed in revealing, provocative clothes, leaned against the counter.
She was a beauty, an unparalleled beauty.
Her stunning looks carried a wanton, unrestrained air, and she seemed to fear neither heaven nor earth.
Her peach-blossom eyes were naturally affectionate, with a hint of something uncanny amid their soft allure.
"Amitabha," Monk Changqing said. "This humble monk hails from Great Sui and is passing through. I hope you will look after us, proprietress."
The proprietress smiled sweetly, her gaze moving between Li Ping'an and Monk Changqing.
Monk Changqing was clearly a little nervous, whether from seeing a beautiful woman or for some other reason.
So, two greenhorns. The proprietress found it amusing.
"Do you have money to pay for the wine?"
"Yes, yes." Monk Changqing took out the money he had received