Chapter 497 - 496: First Grade Golden Core Xu Haoran!
As Gu Yuan strolled down the street, he suddenly paused, looking intently at the cultivator who appeared before him.
The young man donned a white robe, his appearance was captivating, with eyes as bright as morning stars. A subtle, nearly indistinct smile graced his lips, often inducing an involuntary feeling of goodwill in others.
Moreover, the man’s cultivation was not weak; he was a Golden Core Great Cultivator, his level of cultivation matched Gu Yuan’s, seemingly having just broken through to the Golden Core Realm recently.
Of course, Gu Yuan’s discerning eye could perceive more than just this. He could discern that this man’s age was similar to that of Xu Haoran and Gu Xuanqing, but he had reached the First Grade Pill, comparable to the likes of Li Changsheng and Gu Xuanqing as a peerless genius.
"Does Fellow Daoist have some business?"
Gu Yuan inquired calmly.
Gu Yuan had only seen Li Changsheng reach the First Grade Pill, to be honest, individuals of this caliber had the potential for Primordial Spirit, making them rare to encounter.
Compared to Li Changsheng, the youth before him was slightly inferior in cultivation, yet his aura was mysterious and formidable, with a sharpness lurking beneath, indicating that he was far from an ordinary character.
What surprised Gu Yuan even more was his faint sense that the youth seemed to be intentionally targeting him.
"I am Xu Haoran, greetings, Fellow Daoist Chu."
Xu Haoran smiled and bowed, his outstanding appearance and gentle demeanor devoid of any superiority, instead giving Gu Yuan a refreshing feeling like a spring breeze.
Though his outward demeanor appeared thus, in truth, Xu Haoran was astonished.
As a First Grade Golden Core, having cultivated a rare Dharma Eye Divine Techniques, his discernment was extraordinary. Ordinarily, to common cultivators, even Golden Core Great Cultivators or Yin God Giants, a mere glance would reveal several aspects of their background.
Yet before him, Chu He was like a dense fog; he couldn’t discern Chu He’s cultivation level, Daoist Scriptures attribute, or even his emotional fluctuations.
He found the youth before him exceedingly enigmatic, even triggering a long-forgotten sense of danger.
Such a situation, he was encountering for the first time.
It must be understood that he was a First Grade Pill Great Cultivator!
He was driven by curiosity, initially intending to activate his Dharma Eye Divine Techniques to see if he could perceive some traits of Gu Yuan, yet when his gaze met Gu Yuan’s, an inexplicable hunch prompted him to abandon this thought.
Additionally, regarding Gu Yuan, he overturned his previous assumptions, becoming considerably more cautious and prudent.
"So it is Fellow Daoist Xu, is there something you wish to discuss?"
Gu Yuan was also somewhat surprised, even harboring a trace of doubt in his heart.
Previously, after receiving Gu Xuanfeng’s challenge on the Life and Death Platform, Gu Yuan specifically spent some Spirit Stone, purchasing intelligence to learn about some significant figures in the East Sea Cultivation Realm.
Besides Yuqiao Immortal Palace, Luofu Immortal Island was also something he specially learned about.
After all, being within Luofu Immortal Island’s territory, he couldn’t remain ignorant.
According to Gu Yuan’s knowledge, among the young generation of Luofu Immortal Island, there were several remarkable genius disciples.
The Xu Haoran before him was reportedly a leading figure among them, unexpectedly having reached the First Grade Pill.
Gu Yuan was indeed bewildered, unsure what business the man had with him.
Xu Haoran nodded: "Indeed, I have a matter I wish to discuss with Brother Chu."
Gu Yuan saw that the other held no animosity, genuinely having something to talk about, considering his status, he casually surveyed the surroundings, laughingly said: "I’ve heard that the Seven-Star Eel and Silver-Backed Snow Shrimp at Windward Tower are quite exquisite, and their Hundred Fruit Brew is exceptional as well. Let me invite Fellow Daoist Xu to taste them, shall we eat and talk together?"
Xu Haoran laughed: "Windward Tower is managed by one of my uncles. Brother Chu, as a guest in Luofu Immortal City, how could I let you treat?"
Gu Yuan chuckled and shook his head: "In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony..."
"Certainly."
Xu Haoran’s smile was warm.
Immediately, the two headed toward the Windward Tower.
Windward Tower was a well-known restaurant within Luofu Immortal City, employing many skilled chefs, adept at preparing various delicacies from the sea, all of which were savory spiritual cuisines.
They were not only visually appealing and aromatic, but frequent consumption greatly benefited cultivators.
Additionally, Gu Yuan had heard from Yu Qiubai that a special banquet, the Flood Dragon Feast, was served at Windward Tower, rumored to be crafted from the heart, liver, meat, blood, and tendons of Flood Dragons. This not only offered a unique flavor but was also greatly beneficial for Golden Core Great Cultivators and Yin God Giants.
However, such a feast was often rare and the cost could be as high as a mid-to-upper grade magical treasure, not easily bearable for the average person.
Furthermore, within Windward Tower, there was a Hundred Fruit Brew, brewed from over a hundred types of Spirit Fruits.
It tasted sweet and fragrant, with a lasting aftertaste, aiding cultivation as well.
Xu Haoran seemed familiar with the place, skillfully led Gu Yuan to Windward Tower.
Upon entering the hall, they were immediately greeted by a servant and a maid.
"Ah, it’s Young Master Xu with this esteemed guest; please, do come inside!"
The sight of Xu Haoran startled them briefly, then they quickly smiled and invited them in warmly.
"The usual spot, then."
Xu Haoran instructed, leading Gu Yuan to a private room on the fifth floor.
Inside, Gu Yuan glanced around a few times, nodding in approval.
The private room was elegantly decorated, aromatic incense burned in the corners, creating an invigorating atmosphere.
With the window open, views of the street below were visible, accompanied by a fresh sea breeze carrying a faint briny scent, yet not unpleasant.
The two sat across from each other, the maid served Spirit Tea to them both.
Shortly, dishes were brought forth, each impeccably aromatic and flavorful.
Gu Yuan sampled them, finding the taste exceptionally balanced.
"Brother Chu, how is it? Does it suit your taste?"
Xu Haoran smilingly asked.
"The flavor is excellent, suits my palate nicely."
Gu Yuan was direct, enthusiastically digging in.
Being a Body Cultivator, his vitality was strong, his physique robust, and his appetite astonishingly large.
Despite his current cultivation level where sustenance through Qi alone was possible, Gu Yuan could easily consume multiple whole cows in a day.
Not just ordinary cows, but those meticulously raised, fed on Spirit Grain and Spirit Medicine, Spirit Cows.
Thus, it wasn’t long before Gu Yuan cleared the table of Spiritual Cuisine.
Though fast, Gu Yuan’s eating maintained an aesthetic rhythm, graceful rather than crude or slovenly, pleasing to behold.
Witnessing this, Xu Haoran showed a contemplative look, then instructed more dishes to be served.
After five rounds, Gu Yuan finally set down his chopsticks with lingering satisfaction, lifting the Hundred Fruit Brew, drinking it in one go, and exhaling contentedly.
Then, he addressed the wide-eyed Xu Haoran: "Superb, superb, tastes wonderful. Thank you, Brother Xu, for the treat today."
