Zanxing

Chapter 79 - First Team Bonding (2)

In the end, all members of the Taiyan Sect went together. After all, leaving Meng Ying alone at the inn would make it seem like they were isolating her. Meng Ying, like Gu Baiying, was quite particular about her food, clothing, and cultivation within the Taiyan Sect and usually wouldn't even touch mortal food. Her coming out tonight was already giving face.

Of course, it was because of Gu Baiying's influence.

During the day, Li-er Kingdom was scorching hot, with blazing sun and steaming clouds over the sea and sky, making cultivators reluctant to go out. They stayed indoors, cooling off with ice blocks. But at night, the sea breeze turned cool, the moon was bright, and the beach became lively.

Every tree in the mangroves was decorated with small lanterns, each about the size of a palm. The lanterns were made of dark blue paper, and from afar, they appeared like a deep blue waterfall of light. The moonlight spread over the sandy ground, making the white sand shimmer like snow. In the distance, the tide surged, blending the night and the long sea into one.

Along the beach, many vendors set up stalls. Some sold items like iced syrup, similar to what was sold at the gambling dens during the day; others sold fruits, while others had set up boilers on small boats docked near the shore. People could fish on the spot, and grill their catch, and it was said that cultivators could also rent boats for an hour at fifty spirit stones, akin to a wild self-service experience.

For those who didn't want to fish themselves, there were plenty of food stalls along the shore, specializing in the country's famous oysters and flower crabs. They didn't require complicated cooking; just steaming them was enough to bring out their delicious flavor. The sea breeze carried the scent into people's noses, stirring their appetites. Mimi stopped in front of a stall selling grilled oysters, rubbing against the owner's leg, begging for attention.

The stall owner looked down, puzzled, and glanced around, "Whose piglet got loose?"

Yanxing: "..."

She walked over, picked up Mimi, and asked the others, "How about we eat here?"

"Sounds good!" Tian Fangfang glanced into the distance. "I wonder how it tastes."

"Rest assured, honored cultivators," the stall owner said with a cheerful smile. "Not to boast, but our country's oysters and flower crabs are the best. You'll regret not trying them. There are tables and chairs ahead; please wait a moment."

Since Gu Baiying was hosting, there was no need to be frugal. Tian Fangfang enthusiastically ordered oysters, flower crabs, and some fish and shrimp. There were tables and chairs set up under a canopy not far from the stall. Once the secret realm trials were over, all the canopies along the beach would be dismantled. These few days were the busiest time of the year. Yanxing and the others sat down, and a small plate of honeydew melon was served, making the setup feel just like a casual seafood restaurant.

"Is this like a team bonding event? Our first team bonding at a seafood joint, but how can we not have beer?"

Yanxing suggested, "Is there any wine for sale around here? Why don't we get some to drink?"

"Great idea!" Tian Fangfang was the first to agree. "I knew something was missing. You've got good taste, junior sister."

"No," Gu Baiying shot Yanxing a glance. "Sect rules forbid drinking alcohol while traveling."

"Not even that?" Yanxing complained. "Your sect is really strict."

"Of course, we're a serious sect with strict rules," said Mendong, chiming in. "While traveling, not only is drinking prohibited, but gambling too. We're not like the disciples of Liuli Sect or Chihua Gate who hang around casinos."