Chapter 120: You Are a Dog

The Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, situated at the heart of the mortal marketplace, was the most expensive and finest inn in the area. At this moment, however, it was hosting a grand event.

Upon entering, one could see a high platform in the center. Standing atop it were several men, some busy putting brush to paper, while others gathered in small groups to compose poems and couplets.

"Hmph, I loathe these scholars and their endless wordplay. I don't see what good any of it does!" Seeing them, Hu Hansan’s eyes flashed with a hint of jealousy before he spoke with disdain.

He made no effort to hide his feelings, which struck Chen Xiang as rather amusing. It seemed this fellow secretly longed to be a man of letters, but it was clear that all his talent points had been invested solely into his muscles.

"Oh? Brother Hu, to be honest, this is my first time in Liuxin City. Is it common for people to compose poetry here?" Chen Xiang asked, feigning a look of confusion.

Hearing that it was Chen Xiang’s first visit, Hu Hansan’s eyes lit up before he replied, "Indeed. Beyond its fame for wine, Liuxin City is also renowned for its tea. Appreciating tea and wine is a prerequisite for the people here, which has given rise to many refined scholars. And, of course, the most important factor: it is rumored that the City Lord himself is a scholar, which has spurred this trend."

Chen Xiang nodded in realization. So that was it. Because the City Lord was a scholar, he naturally encouraged the pursuit of literature. Everyone else, eager to curry favor with him, followed suit, and in time, it had become the local custom. As for the tea and wine appreciation, that was hardly surprising; back on Earth, those who engaged in such things were often just feigning sophistication.

Hu Hansan led Chen Xiang to the second floor of the pavilion and found a table that offered a perfect view of the scholars below.

A waiter approached, wiped down the table, and asked enthusiastically, "What would the two distinguished guests like to drink?"

"Bring us two jars of premium Ziqiong Brew and two plates of spiced beef," Hu Hansan ordered with practiced ease before Chen Xiang could even speak.

"Right away, Third Master," the waiter replied hurriedly, clearly recognizing Hu Hansan, before rushing off to fulfill the request.

"Oh, right, I haven't asked your name yet, brother," Hu Hansan suddenly remembered and asked.

"Haha, little brother is Chu Liuxiang. Brother Hu can call me 'Fragrant Lord' if he likes!" Chen Xiang said, cupping his hands in a salute.

"Oh, so it's Brother Chu. I've long heard of your name!" Hu Hansan’s mouth twitched as he replied.

Chen Xiang paid no mind to his reaction and continued to ask about affairs in Liuxin City. At first, Hu Hansan answered diligently, but soon his attention wandered, and he began glancing toward the floor below. Chen Xiang found it comical—this fellow still dreamed of becoming a poet? He was likely beyond saving.

Chen Xiang lost interest in asking further questions, though he had already gleaned some key information. The City Lord of Liuxin City was a personal appointment of the current Wing Emperor. He possessed the peak cultivation of the Spirit Transformation stage and was immensely powerful; it was said he had once escaped the clutches of an expert at the Infant Transformation stage. Furthermore, he was known to be incredibly upright, refusing to commit any wrong or bully the weak, acting as the very embodiment of justice in the eyes of the populace. His only passion was reading, which explained his love for poetry and talent, as well as his strong support for the city’s literary culture.

*Good grief,* Chen Xiang mused to himself, *if this City Lord were back on Earth, he’d be the patron saint of scholars!*

Before long, the premium Ziqiong Brew and the spiced beef arrived. Upon seeing the wine, Hu Hansan stopped looking at the floor, grabbed a jar, and took several hearty gulps. "Fine wine!" he exclaimed with gusto.

Chen Xiang poured himself a bowl. The pale purple liquid shimmered with a faint, crystalline luster, and to his surprise, it contained a trace of spiritual energy. Chen Xiang was stunned; this was a type of wine that could enhance one's cultivation, or at least strengthen the bodies of ordinary people. He took a sip and felt the effects—it was most potent for those who had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, making it perfectly suited for someone like Hu Hansan.

"Brother Hu, what is this wine? It tastes marvelous," Chen Xiang asked, feigning intoxication.

"Haha, little brother, you’ve clearly never had it before. This Ziqiong Brew is the wine of immortals! For us mortals, it’s a precious treasure for strengthening the body," Hu Hansan said with a knowing look.

"Ah? Wine for immortals?" Chen Xiang acted shocked, then lowered his voice.

Hu Hansan nodded.

"That must be incredibly expensive, right?" Chen Xiang asked, touching the wine jar with a pained expression.

"Not at all, not at all. Just two low-grade spirit stones per jar. In silver, that’s only a few thousand taels," Hu Hansan said dismissively.

"A few thousand taels? *Hiss!*" Chen Xiang drew in a sharp breath, acting as if the price were exorbitant. "Brother Hu, you’re treating me to such expensive wine—I don't know how to thank you."

"Hm? Did I say I was treating you?" Hu Hansan asked, looking puzzled.

Chen Xiang sneered inwardly. *Playing games, are we? A few low-grade spirit stones mean nothing to me, but no one has been born who can swindle me.*

On the surface, Chen Xiang looked anxious. "What? Brother Hu, didn't you just say you were treating me to this wine? It hasn't even been a moment!"

"Oh! I remember now. Didn't you say you wanted to treat me to a drink? What? Now you’re trying to turn it around and say I’m treating you? That’s not very moral of you, little brother!" Hu Hansan sneered, slamming his bowl onto the table.

"How can you be like this?" Chen Xiang stood up, feigning indignation.

The commotion drew the attention of the surrounding patrons, who began to whisper.

"Is that Hu Hansan? Up to his old thieving tricks again?"

"Indeed, what a disgrace to the culture of Liuxin City!"

"That kid is a fool to be taken in by Hu Hansan."

"Wait, are they drinking Ziqiong Brew?"

"They are. That kid is in for it now; that wine isn't cheap."

Hu Hansan calmly picked up his bowl and took a sip, ignoring the chatter. "Brother Hu, this isn't very righteous of you!" Chen Xiang gritted his teeth.

Hu Hansan took another tranquil sip of the wine, set the bowl down, and looked at him with disdain. "Righteous? Kid, you were the one who offered to treat me. Now you’re reneging and calling me unrighteous? What kind of logic is that?"

"Fine, if it's logic you want, look into my eyes!" Chen Xiang slammed his hand on the table and glared at him.

Hu Hansan froze, then turned to meet Chen Xiang's gaze. Chen Xiang's pupils were deep, like bottomless black holes. Hu Hansan felt as if he were being sucked in; he panicked and tried to struggle, only to realize he was completely powerless to resist.

"You are a dog. You are a dog. You are..." A soft, rhythmic murmuring echoed in his ears.

"I am a dog..." Hu Hansan repeated in a daze, his eyes unfocused.

"Woof! Woof, woof, woof!"