Chapter 15: A Chance Encounter at the Tavern

Life, as they say, is a series of coincidences woven into a greater purpose. Some call it fate, others chance. Yet, here I am, a simple man running a tavern in the heart of the desolate mountains, pondering how strange life can be.

It was early in the afternoon when Mr. Yan showed up at my tavern. His presence was a pleasant surprise; I’d heard he had been unwell and expected him to need more time to recover.

“Mr. Li!” he called out, his voice full of vigor. “I came to thank you for your medicine. I haven’t felt this healthy in years.”

I blinked, slightly embarrassed. I wasn’t a healer. I’d only offered him a simple medicinal soup, a remedy I knew of in my head, it was just coincidence “Oh, it was nothing,” I said, scratching the back of my head. “Just something I whipped up. It’s not worth mentioning.”

But he wouldn’t hear of it. “Not worth mentioning? If this is nothing, then I fear to imagine what could have happened to me if not for you . Thank you again, Mr. Li.”

He bowed deeply, leaving me flustered and fumbling for words. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he left, leaving me to wonder how a simple soup could have such an effect.

Later that afternoon, as I was tidying up the tavern, I heard faint voices outside. At first, it was just a murmur, but soon they became clearer.

“Miss, wait for me!” a voice called out, breathless and slightly panicked.

“Quickly, we need to keep moving,” another voice replied, this one more assertive and laced with irritation. “My father is insufferable! Imagine trying to marry me off to someone I’ve never even met. How could I possibly forgive him?”

I peered out from the window and saw two figures—a young lady dressed in fine robes and her maid, struggling to keep up. They looked out of place in the rugged mountains, their elegant attire contrasting sharply with the wild surroundings.

The maid, panting heavily, said, “Miss, I think I heard an animal just now. Shouldn’t we leave this place? It’s dangerous.”

The young lady waved her hand dismissively, her tone brimming with confidence. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just a step away from Foundation Building. Let them come; they’re no match for me.”

Her maid frowned, clearly unconvinced. “Miss, are you really planning to stay in these desolate mountains? What if we get lost?”

The young lady huffed. “Do you think I have a choice? My father’s influence reaches everywhere. If I don’t hide in a place like this, he’ll find me in no time.”

As they continued their bickering, their eyes fell onto something. Deeper into the forest, something caught their eye—a courtyard attached to a tavern. The lady froze, her maid stumbling behind her. "Huh? Was this always here? This place is supposed to be uninhabited!"

Curiosity sparked, and they approached cautiously. At first glance, the tavern seemed ordinary, yet as they drew closer, awe replaced skepticism. The craftsmanship of the courtyard, the intricate carvings on the doors, and the aura of tranquility emanating from the building were unlike anything they had seen.

"This... this is even more elegant than my father’s palace," the lady whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The maid nodded, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Miss, who could live in such a dangerous place and build something like this?"

The lady’s mind raced. "Could this be the home of a reclusive expert? Perhaps a hidden master living away from the chaos of the world?" Her curiosity overtook her caution. "Let’s check it out."

The maid hesitated but eventually nodded. Together, they pushed open the tavern doors.

Is anyone here?” the young lady called out, her voice carrying a mix of authority and hesitation.

I stepped out from the kitchen, wiping my hands on a towel. “Oh! New customers? You’re not from around here, are you?”

The young lady straightened up, a proud smile on her face. “That’s correct. I’m Lin Yu, and this is my maid, Xiao Mei. We were passing by and saw your… establishment.”

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I nodded, trying not to stare at her too much. She was stunning, with an air of grace that made her seem otherworldly. “Welcome to my tavern. Please, have a seat. What can I get you to eat?”

They sat down, glancing around the tavern. At first, they seemed composed, but as they took in their surroundings, their expressions shifted. Shock. Awe. Confusion. The wooden craftsmanship, the detailed paintings, the carefully arranged furniture—all of it left them speechless.

"This place... it’s full of spiritual energy," Lin Yu murmured, her voice trembling.

Her maid nodded in agreement. "Miss, every corner of this place feels... extraordinary."

I chuckled inwardly, unaware of their thoughts. To me, it was just a simple tavern. But to them, it was something far greater.

"What can I get you to eat?" I asked, breaking their reverie.

After a moment of hesitation, Lin yu answered, "The specialty of this tavern, please."

“Good choice,” I replied. “I’ll get started right away.”

As I returned to the kitchen, I could hear them murmuring to each other.

“This place… it’s too strange,” Lin Yu whispered. “The energy here… it’s unlike anything I’ve felt before.”

Her maid nodded. “Miss, do you think this is the residence of a hidden expert?”

Lin Yu hesitated. “It must be. But let’s not think too much about it. We’ll eat and leave."

Ah, the tavern’s specialty. Nothing too extravagant, just a dish crafted with care and fresh ingredients from my garden. Today, it would be stir-fried spiritual vegetables with aromatic herbs, paired with steamed rice and a light broth.

I began by selecting vibrant green vegetables, their leaves glistening with morning dew. Each one was handpicked from my courtyard garden, nurtured with the purest spiritual energy.

Heating the wok, I added a splash of oil, letting it shimmer before tossing in minced garlic and ginger. The fragrance filled the air as I stirred in the vegetables, their colors brightening with the heat.

Next came the herbs, their aromas blending seamlessly with the vegetables. A dash of salt, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of spiritual energy-infused spices completed the dish.

The broth was simple yet rich, made from spiritual roots and mushrooms simmered to perfection. Together with the steamed rice, the meal was a harmony of flavors—earthy, fresh, and nourishing.

Plating the dish, I carried it to their table, setting it down with a smile. "Enjoy your meal," I said before stepping back to give them privacy.

Lin yu and her maid stared at the food, their initial skepticism giving way to intrigue. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma were unlike anything they had encountered.

"It’s beautiful," Lin yu admitted, though she remained doubtful. "But it’s just mortal food. What could it possibly do for me? Let's just eat and leave quickly."

With that thought, she took a bite. And then, everything changed.

Her surroundings dissolved, replaced by an ethereal scene. Water rippled beneath her feet, lotus flowers blooming in the distance. The air was filled with a divine energy that defied comprehension.

"This... this is water," she murmured, her voice quivering with wonder.

A manifestation appeared in the water—a deity-like figure, radiant and serene. Mei Yun stared in disbelief. "My reflection... it’s become a deity," she whispered.

Before she could process the vision, a surge of spiritual energy enveloped her. Her body trembled continuously as the energy merged with her being, it was feeling hard to describe with mortal understanding and in an instant, she broke through to Foundation Building.

Her maid, watching her in panic, cried out, "Miss, what’s happening to you?"

But Lin Yu opened her eyes, her face glowing with joy. "I did it. After three years of stagnation, I finally broke through!"

Hearing the commotion, I approached, concerned. "Is everything alright? Did you not like the food?".

I was worried if they don't like the food , though I had confidence in my cooking but taste varies people some may other don't and it's my responsibility to adjust it accordingly.

Lin Yu stood abruptly, her expression had a mix of gratitude and reverence. She came infront of me and said,"Thank you! Because of your food, I achieved my breakthrough!"

I blinked, taken aback. "Call again' What? No, I just served you a meal. I didn’t do anything special I'm just a ordinary tavern owner, how come your break through have anything to do with me."

As I finished my sentence I noticed her expression turnd grim as if she committed a grave crime, She thought ".Did I anger the expert, is he gonna erase my existence. Expert said he is just a ordinary tavarn's owner, he must be experiencing mortal life... I almost blew his cover."

Lin Yu misinterpreted my words, assuming I was a powerful expert hiding my identity. "I apologize if I offended you," she said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your guidance."

Guidance? I scratched my head, thoroughly confused. But before I could respond, she offered me a jade token, insisting it was a token of her gratitude, "Miss, you can't give it" her maid called out.

"It's just a armament not much valuable compare to the food, please accept it" Lin Yu said.

It's was clearly something valuable.. I hesitated, not wanting to take something so valuable. But she was persistent. "Please accept it," she said. "And perhaps I’ll return to enjoy your cooking again."

Reluctantly, I accepted the token, still unsure of what had just transpired, Well on bright side maybe I got a regular who is not from this nearby village.

After that they prepare to left," Thank you so much for you generosity sir, I'll never forget it"

Didn't she making it a big deal out of nothing still," No Problem" I answered.

As they left, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Life, once again, had thrown me into the strangest of situations.

As Lin Yu and her maid disappeared into the forest, I returned to the kitchen, pondering the encounter. To them, I was a mysterious figure, a hidden expert. But in truth, I was just a simple man running a tavern.

Perhaps that’s the beauty of life. Everyone sees the world through their own lens, weaving their own stories from the threads of reality. And who am I to shatter their illusions?

With a sigh and a smile, I began preparing for the next meal, wondering what strange adventure tomorrow would bring.

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