Chapter 206
Chapter 206
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 206
Chapter Title: Ascending Heaven Inn
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Ascending Heaven Inn.
Among the inns in Kaifeng, Ascending Heaven Inn boasted the longest history, bustling with customers every single day.
There were plenty of other inns, but the reason crowds flocked specifically to this one was manifold—though the biggest draw was undoubtedly the food.
The head chef, once in the service of the imperial court, showcased culinary skills unmatched in the area, serving up exquisite dishes.
And that was not all.
The innkeeper, through some connection or another, sold rare liquors that were hard to come by anywhere else.
Delicious food and fine liquors from every region.
In a sea of similar establishments, these boasts were more than enough to pull in the crowds.
Thus, lines formed daily outside... yet today, Ascending Heaven Inn was eerily quiet.
"Huh? What's going on? No line at Ascending Heaven Inn?"
"Yeah, weird, right?"
Passersby perked up at the sight.
The inn's food and liquors were treats one couldn't easily savor on ordinary days.
They were pricey, sure—but the real barrier was the perpetual throngs of people.
Kaifeng, after all, sat at the heart of the Grand Canal, a nexus of commerce teeming with merchants coming and going.
Many stopped briefly en route, and they were willing to queue up just for a taste.
So lines were the norm, which made today's absence all the more puzzling. A few ventured in cautiously, peering about.
And moments later...
"Ahem. Let's eat somewhere else today."
"H-Haha. Yeah, good idea."
Those who entered bolted out, faces pale with fright.
The manager followed the fleeing pair, offering a wry smile as he called after them.
"Please come again next time."
They were long gone. He sighed faintly and retreated inside.
The scene before him drew another involuntary breath.
'Who knows how many times this has happened already.'
Four tables radiated from the central one in Ascending Heaven Inn—all fully occupied.
And the occupants all wore identical attire.
That was why the recent guests had fled in terror.
The manager shook his head at the sight of them in pitch-black uniforms embroidered with the character 'Tang' across the chest.
'The Tang Clan has come calling.'
"Haa."
He scanned the interior with a heavy sigh.
Aside from the Tang Clan warriors at the center, the tables stood empty.
They hadn't bought out the place.
The mere sight of them had sent patrons ebbing away like the tide.
And the warriors dined on as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
'Today's a wash.'
He rubbed his throbbing forehead.
He was used to dealing with martial artist patrons.
But the Tang Clan was no ordinary bunch.
Unlike most, they specialized in poison arts.
Dining alongside them felt... unsettling.
Even he lacked the nerve to share a table.
'Haa. If only they'd finish up and retire to their rooms.'
The manager glanced their way.
"Hmmm, no wonder they say you have to stop by Ascending Heaven Inn when in Kaifeng."
"This liquor hits the spot."
"And the food's top-notch, isn't it?"
Overhearing them only deepened his headache.
They showed no signs of wrapping up.
If anything, one was raising a hand for more.
"D-Did you call for me?"
The young waiter approached, trembling.
Still a boy, but aware of the Tang Clan's notoriety—his face had drained of color.
Yet the youth who summoned him waved casually, unperturbed.
"Another round of this."
"R-Right away, sir."
The waiter bowed and scurried off.
The manager closed his eyes.
'At least they spend more than most.'
Forcing a silver lining.
Then—
Shwish—
The neatly parted bamboo curtain rustled.
The manager shot up reflexively, bowing to the newcomers.
"Welcome."
"Kaifeng means Ascending Heaven Inn!"
A hearty voice boomed as a neatly dressed elder strode in, only to frown at the Tang Clan warriors.
"Hm?"
The manager suppressed a smirk at the elder's reaction.
'Another one bailing.'
Customers trickled in steadily, only to flee upon spotting the Tang warriors.
But then...
"No wonder it's so empty. Those bastards are here."
The elder muttered dismissively at the sight of them.
As the manager blinked in surprise...
"Do you have rooms available?"
A clear, melodic voice came from behind.
He turned to see a woman in a bamboo hat with long black veils draping to her shoulders, obscuring her face.
"Is that a problem?"
The manager flashed a quick smile.
"Not at all. We have rooms."
"I'd like three, please."
She produced a handful of silver taels.
"Is this enough?"
His eyes gleamed.
He'd been mulling an early close—now this generous payer appeared.
A merchant never missed such an opportunity.
"Does that include meals?"
"For now, yes. I'll cover any shortfall later."
"Understood. We'll prepare three deluxe rooms. And meals right away..."
As he rattled off details...
Shwish—
The curtain parted again, admitting a young man.
"What're you doing? Standing around at the entrance."
He addressed the prior guests, then fixed on the paused manager.
"Anywhere's fine, right?"
"Yes, but..."
The manager hesitated, wondering if he should steer him from the Tang table.
The youth moved first.
"That spot looks good."
He announced it like a fact, breezing past the elder and woman to plop down a ways from the Tang warriors.
"That rotten punk."
The elder grumbled, following. The woman turned back to the manager.
"The best food and liquor you have, please."
"It'll be pricey. Are you sure?"
"No issue."
"Very well."
She bowed slightly and joined the pair at their table.
'Either guts of steel or clueless about the Tang Clan's menace...'
The manager fretted as they sat unfazed under the Tang glares, pouring tea brought by the waiter—but soon shook his head.
'Whichever, they're not about to tangle with the Tang Clan.'
Their swords marked them as江湖 wanderers.
Such folk avoided Tang trouble, fearless or not.
Dismissing idle worries, he signaled the shivering waiter in the corner after delivering tea.
"D-Did you need me?"
"Tell the chef to prepare his specialties. And that new liquor? Bring it to their table..."
As the manager issued orders...
"This place supposed to be that good?"
Cheonhwi asked, pouring tea.
"Has any spot I've recommended ever disappointed?"
"Chunhyang House in Luoyang was meh."
"Ahem! That was a bad pick. How was I to know the owner changed?"
"This one's not the same, right?"
"Doubting me?"
"Look around."
Cheonhwi nodded.
Glancing leisurely about the inn, he eyed Cheon Yi-gae silently mouthing words.
"You said it'd be packed. This is dead."
Cheon Yi-gae scowled.
"You blind to those guys?"
He jerked his chin toward the Tang table.
"Oh? Tang? Ah, the Sichuan Tang Clan."
Cheonhwi nodded in realization.
"Explains the emptiness."
"Not bailing?"
"Thought they were just customers."
Cheon Yi-gae gaped at him.
Sichuan Tang warriors dominating the center—and he just noticed.
'No, he's no ordinary punk.'
He shook his head with a sigh.
Cheonhwi would've ignored them even at the entrance.
"Thanks to them, we skipped the line."
Cheonhwi noted to the group.
The journey had been satisfying, hitting famed spots—but crowds were a hassle.
Today? Deserted bliss.
"No waiting either."
Cheon Yi-gae agreed.
Longtime Kaifeng resident, he knew the inn's fame best.
Heck, he'd eaten here himself.
Beggar or not, as the Beggar Clan Great Elder, he'd hosted江湖 notables here.
Recalling past meals, his lips quirked up.
"Heh, proper feast today."
Appetite whetted before the food arrived.
"Looking forward to this."
Dam Mok-rin chimed in beside him.
She loved this trip.
First day? Resentment brewed.
Her long-awaited solo jaunt with Cheonhwi—ruined by Cheon Yi-gae's intrusion.
Now? She relished his company.
'Never had a trip this fun.'
A smile graced her lips.
Her life mostly clan-bound, this was just her second major outing.
The first, hunting a divine relic, left no room for leisure.
This one? Iconic sights, renowned inns and taverns—all hit, with Cheonhwi.
Bliss beyond belief.
Cheonhwi, too, brimmed with anticipation.
'So this is the place Cheon Yi-gae raves about?'
Beggar though he was, Cheon Yi-gae was a picky epicure.
He'd savor most meals but gripe midway.
When elsewhere pleased him, he'd compare to this inn's fare.
The trio waited eagerly.
"Meals served."
Waiters arrived with dishes.
Steaming sweet-and-sour ribs centered the table, joined by scallion tofu, sauced beef, and six more...
As the spread filled out, the manager brought a liquor jar.
"Fruit wine, brewed a decade ago by our chef."
He set it down and withdrew.
"Can't hold back!"
Cheon Yi-gae lunged.
The aroma proved too much; chopsticks darted out.
Cheonhwi claimed the jar first.
Glug—
Savoring the poured fruit wine's scent, his lips curved.
"Smells divine."
A quick sniff, then down it went.
His smile deepened.
Sweet liquor notes danced on the tongue, sliding smoothly down—perfection.
Satisfied, he snatched chopsticks for food.
The first bite...
"Hm?"
His eyes widened slightly.
Juices flooded his mouth, amplifying the fruit wine's flavor.
"This is seriously good."
His gaze sharpened; he refilled and dug in with gusto.
Faster than ever.
Dam Mok-rin watched the duo devour, then took up her chopsticks.
Lifting her veil, she ate.
Awkward method, but deftly managed.
"...!"
She gasped softly, hand to mouth—then chopsticks flew.
As the three immersed in their feast, the Tang table fell silent as the grave.
But only briefly.
"An elder and two young ones..."
A handsome youth eyed Cheonhwi's group, murmuring.
He turned slightly.
"Know them, Uncle?"
"Never seen 'em."
The middle-aged man beside him scowled, gaze locked on the elder and veiled woman.
"But no ordinaries."
The youth's eyes flickered with surprise.
This 'uncle'—Hidden Dagger Guest, a top Sichuan Tang master, terror of the江湖.
And he was wary.
Tang Jeok smiled.
"Heading to the Zhuge Clan too?"
"Likely."
The Hidden Dagger Guest nodded.
Their dress and demeanor screamed transients.
"Then we should say hello."
Tang Jeok rose, approaching their table.
"Pardon the interruption during your meal."
He clasped hands politely, smile beaming.
First impressions mattered.
"I'm Tang Jeok of the Sichuan Tang Clan. Care to join us?"
Sipping liquor, Cheonhwi glanced over.
"Pass."
Tang Jeok's brow twitched.
He'd assumed acceptance.
He—the young master, Venom Dragon of the last Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.
Most warriors fawned upon hearing his name, begging to join.
These? Zero interest.
Undeterred...
'Uncle's intrigued.'
"All under one sky..."
But...
"This is good too."
"Munch, gulp. Told you—best flavors here."
They ignored him outright.
'Blatant disrespect now?'
Veins bulged on his forehead.
Fury surged, but he smiled again.
"Let's share a table, make merry..."
"Best I've had lately."
"No doubt."
"Great inn."
Even the woman joined the chat dismissively. Unable to bear it, Tang Jeok bellowed.
"Are you mocking me?!"
Silence crashed down.
Cheonhwi paused mid-bite, glancing absurdly at Cheon Yi-gae.
"What's his deal?"
"Beats me."
Cheon Yi-gae eyed Tang Jeok briefly, refocusing on food.
"More importantly, this is mine."
"Not paying? Leave some."
"Not your money either."
"His is mine. Right?"
Dam Mok-rin nodded.
"Yep."
"See?"
"Tch, siding with him... Fine, eat first."
As their banter resumed seamlessly...
Bam!
Tang Jeok slammed the table.
"Don't ignore me!"
Then...
Thud.
The liquor jar toppled, spilling.
Half-full fruit wine dripped steadily to the floor.
"...You're insane."
Cheon Yi-gae muttered, swiftly salvaging food. Dam Mok-rin, veil up and picking at hers, halted and edged away.
Having gauged Cheonhwi over the journey, they distanced themselves. Tang Jeok faltered.
He hadn't struck anyone—just smacked the table, spilling booze.
Overreaction much?
'Why so jumpy?'
As he puzzled...
"They say even dogs don't bother folks eating..."
Cheonhwi eyed the spilling liquor, murmuring. He set his chopsticks down with a clack.
Looking up at Tang Jeok through narrowed eyes, irritation plain.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"