Published: March 8, 2025
Chu Yang stumbled out of Jiaxiu Pavilion, still puzzled by the recent events.
He turned a corner and headed towards Orchid Fragrance Garden.
At this moment, it was still early morning, far from noon. The sun hung low in the sky, casting slanted rays that did little to dispel the lingering chill.
As he pondered over this matter, he found it strange.
How could it be that just a moment ago there were so many people making a scene downstairs, and now, in such a short time, everyone had vanished? Did his conversation with Wu Qianqian and the act they put on really work?
As he continued on, it wasn't long before he was nearing Orchid Fragrance Garden.
Turning another corner, he suddenly noticed a few people ahead of him watching and smiling.
Chu Yang was taken aback to see that these people, dressed in blue, were energetic and neither masked nor hiding their whereabouts, boldly blocking the path.
People from the Lan Family!
Lan Changge leaned lazily against a tree, and upon spotting Chu Yang, his eyes lit up, and he straightened his back, walking over.
“Brother Chu, hehe... what a pleasure to meet you.” Lan Changge looked at Chu Yang, a hint of coldness in his gaze, and smiled, “I presume you had a delightful conversation with Fairy Wu?”
Chu Yang smiled shyly, “Brother Lan is joking. Oh, this matter is indeed complicated.”
Lan Changge displayed an expression of 'as expected', seemingly relieved. He then grabbed Chu Yang's hand, understandingly chuckling, and leaned in closer, “Brother Chu, I came today to consult you about something, and I hope you will generously impart your wisdom.”
Chu Yang was puzzled, “What is it?”
Lan Changge warmly pulled Chu Yang along, “Come, come, let's talk over there. There's a teahouse nearby, and today it's on me. Hehe, we feel like old friends upon meeting, so please don't decline. Please, please!”
Now that Chu Yang was skilled and bold, he was no longer afraid of any tricks Lan Changge might pull. Besides, he was very curious about what Lan Changge wanted to discuss.
So he readily accepted, and the four or five of them turned a corner and entered the teahouse, finding a secluded elegant seat.
With a wave of his hand, Lan Changge sent the four accompanying masters to spread out and guard the area.
Lan Changge personally picked up a teacup just delivered by the shopkeeper and poured hot water for Chu Yang with a hospitable demeanor. His tone was friendly, his manner dignified, and his expression gentle.
He was a completely different person from how he appeared earlier at Jiaxiu Pavilion.
Indeed, the young members of the nine great clans all possessed deep insight. On the surface, they seemed frivolous, all like dandies, but once removed from the public eye, they revealed themselves to be extraordinary.
Chu Yang pondered silently, wondering which of these personas was more genuine. Or perhaps... none of them had truly revealed their true selves?
“Thank you. May I ask, Brother Lan, what exactly do you wish to inquire about? It would be good to know in advance.” Chu Yang held his teacup and noticed that it was completely transparent.
Each teacup was carved from a single piece of White Crystal, allowing a clear view of the tea leaves swirling and settling inside.
“Brother Chu, please be patient and try this tea. It is a specialty of Heaven's Secret City. It is said that the tea leaves are gathered under the hidden moon at night, bathed in starlight, and brewed using heaven's way! Coming to Heaven's Secret City, how could one not drink Starry Night Tea? Here you go.”
“Every guest at this teahouse is allowed only one cup of tea a day. You brew it yourself, adjust it to your liking, and savor it personally.” Lan Changge served the tea with great care, “I've heard that everyone’s experience with this tea is different... Hehe... it’s quite marvelous.”
“Oh? Is that so? But what is your experience, Brother Lan?” Chu Yang lifted the teacup, gently blowing on the floating tea leaves, and said casually.