Ye Xiu was intending to have some fun teasing Hong'er, only for her to walk straight over and perch herself uncomfortably on the table next to him.

Ye Xiu took a quiet breath and shot Hong'er a glare in return, but as his eyes drifted toward the doorway, a woman clad in a light green, long dress was slowly making her way into the hall. Her hair was coiled atop her head like a beautiful daisy; her cheeks were faintly flushed, and her skin was so delicate it could only be described as petal-soft. Every movement she made clearly broadcasted two things: grace and gentleness.

"My apologies, Wan'er is late. I kept you waiting." Wan'er bent low, executing a perfect formal bow. Surprisingly, she deliberately turned her head toward Ye Xiu and gave a small nod—since she didn't know him, it was merely a gesture of acknowledgment.

"Wan'er, quickly take a seat. This is Ye Xiu, Young Hero Ye." Wang Long was adept at etiquette and even more skilled at observing the human heart—a profound and inscrutable skill cultivated by the Ghost Valley sect.

"Oh yes, Young Hero Ye, this is my eldest disciple, Chen Feng. Feng'er, this is Ye Xiu." Wang Long had not forgotten his introductions. The eldest disciple, Chen Feng, respectfully saluted Ye Xiu, and Ye Xiu returned the gesture, though he immediately noticed the sharp killing intent simmering beneath Chen Feng's eyes.

"Serve the food," Wang Long commanded, and the other disciples began placing numerous large and small dishes onto the table.

Ye Xiu was taken aback by the sheer quantity of food, but what truly baffled him was that there wasn't a single morsel of meat! It was all wild grasses, roots, and things resembling Lingzhi mushrooms! Damn it, Ye Xiu felt a growing unease.

"Young Hero Ye, I hope the valley's fare is to your liking. Please, partake!" Wang Long invited him respectfully before picking up the tender hearts of some green stalks and placing them into his own mouth. The taste was extraordinary, though Ye Xiu couldn't judge whether it was 'good' or not.

"Actually, I also advocate for vegetarianism! Please, go ahead!" Ye Xiu was truly playing the hypocrite now. He detested vegetarian food; a proper meal involved great fish and prime cuts of meat. The immediate problem, however, was the distinct lack of chopsticks. Was he expected to eat with his hands?

"Heh heh, please don't hold back, don't be shy," Wang Long noticed Ye Xiu's hesitation but didn't understand the cause. "Is it not to your taste? Or something else?"

"Hmph, I suppose some people look down on our simple fare. So delicate," Hong'er muttered from the side, having never offered him a pleasant expression.

Ye Xiu truly felt out of sorts. He gestured frantically and quickly asked, "You people don't use chopsticks? Chopsticks! For eating. Are you supposed to use your hands?"

"Always talking nonsense again," Hong'er pouted, happily eating her own meal. "What chopsticks? If you don't want to eat, just leave."

"Heh heh, this old man has never heard of chopsticks. What exactly is this object called a chopstick? Young Hero Ye, could you let this old man see one?" Wang Long was relaxed, seemingly enjoying the minor disruption.

With that, Ye Xiu stood up and hurried back to his room. He remembered his backpack—the one he used for traveling—contained many things, including his lunchbox, and inside, the chopsticks and forks. These ancients, so little care for how they eat.

"I'm here, I'm here! Behold, the so-called chopsticks!" He returned to the hall cheerfully, the items held aloft nearly startling everyone present.

"What is this thing..." Wang Long remained thoroughly perplexed; Ye Xiu continually brought forth novelties that baffled him.

At this moment, the eldest disciple seemed intrigued and finally spoke up. "Brother Ye, what are these peculiar little tools? What are those two sharp points intended for?"

Ye Xiu said nothing. He returned to his table, speared a mushroom with the fork, popped it into his mouth, and then expertly picked up some wild greens with the chopsticks, eating contentedly. "This is how you use them. These are chopsticks."

"Marvelous! What an excellent function!" Wang Long finally burst out laughing. "Young Hero Ye is truly an extraordinary person. I have encountered both the man and his deeds today—it is truly refreshing! Impressive!"

"What a magical tool; eating certainly becomes much more convenient this way," Chen Feng and Wan'er chuckled, shaking their heads.

Only Hong'er seemed thoroughly unimpressed by Ye Xiu's display, pouting and sneering, "What cheap junk, showing off like that."

"Tch! You hag," Ye Xiu muttered quietly under his breath. He wasn't sure if Hong'er understood the term, but he felt much better internally.

And so concluded a rather decent dinner. Though there was no great feast of meat and fish, the meal was quite enjoyable, especially being consumed amidst so many compliments—truly satisfying.

The night deepened, and Ye Xiu tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The meal tonight had been good, but something still felt off in his heart.

A wind began to blow; this ancient era was surprisingly chilly.

Then, carried on the gentle breeze, came a faint, melodious sound of a zither. It was winding and complex, like a thin veil drifting slowly through the air—the feeling was exquisitely beautiful.

Now this is a proper scene, he thought.

Ye Xiu smiled wryly and rose, heading outside to investigate. Not forgetting his boredom, he grabbed a can of beer from his backpack.

The side hall rooms were constructed directly over the water. Compared to the grandeur of the main hall, this area possessed the softer beauty of pavilions, carved walkways, bright grasses, and the clear moon. Following the path of the music, across the waterside corridor, stood a pavilion bearing the ancient characters "Little Lake Listening to Sound"—a place of perfect tranquility.

Ye Xiu stood quietly by the bridge, listening intently. The skill these ancient people possessed with their instruments was formidable.

In the pavilion, Wan'er wore a flowing, light-colored robe, her expression serene and peaceful. As her slender fingers moved across the strings in focused concentration, the music that poured forth was the sound of earthly splendor.

Ye Xiu listened, entranced; he watched, intoxicated. Wan'er was like an immortal being, possessing a beauty beyond description.

"Ksssh..." Ye Xiu couldn't help but pull open the tab on his can. A rush of beer bubbles escaped, and the slight sound instantly startled Wan'er, causing the zither music to cease abruptly.

"My apologies, I disturbed you." Ye Xiu immediately felt that he had been too presumptuous and bowed his head in penance. "I apologize for interrupting Miss Wan'er's refined pleasure."

"Oh, what are you saying?" Wan'er was indeed knowledgeable and gentle. "It should be I who disturbed Young Hero Ye. It is time for you to rest now."

"Not at all, not at all." Ye Xiu kept his head bowed, seemingly hesitant to meet the gaze of this celestial beauty. "Miss's music is truly like the harmony of heaven; listening to it is pure enjoyment."