Lanling City

It was a sweltering midday in early summer. The sun blazed high in the sky as cicadas buzzed relentlessly from the treetops. The streets were sparsely populated with passersby.

It was lunchtime, and the aroma of freshly cooked dishes wafted from the eateries and homes lining the street.

Especially enticing were the smells emanating from the "Welcome Guests" tavern behind him. At that moment, the kitchen was at its busiest, and the chimney had been releasing mouthwatering scents for nearly half an hour.

"Hmm, stir-fried diced chicken in sauce, crispy fried pork, Dong'an chicken, sweet and sour fish, …