"Hmm, what you said makes a lot of sense. I'll think about it some more and give you an answer tomorrow." The manor lord had someone arrange for the Red Lotus Sect envoy to stay.
The master of Yinxian Manor stood before a portrait, his silver mask gleaming coldly, making it impossible to discern his true expression.
The woman in the portrait seems to possess a kind of magic, making it impossible to take one's eyes off her.
Her eyes were so deep, as if they could see right through a person's heart. Her smile was like a spring breeze across a lake, warm and serene. Her face had defined features, fair skin, and black hair; she was simply a perfect work of art.
The manor owner muttered to himself, "I wonder if this is what you would look like if you dressed as a woman."
"Master, are you really planning to go see their leader tomorrow with that Red Lotus Sect envoy?" the man in the white robe asked.
The manor owner, preoccupied with other matters, replied, "Of course you go; I have other things to do."
"Are you going to find your young master?" The man in white robes asked with a playful smile and a hint of teasing in his tone.
The manor lord said without changing his expression, "Chu Yuan, if you're really bored, you might as well go back and think about how to deal with the Red Lotus Cult Leader. I've heard that he's extremely cunning and elusive, so don't underestimate him."
Chu Yuan replied nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I've never met an opponent yet."
The manor lord solemnly reminded him, "Chu Yuan, things are not absolute. It's always good to be cautious. Even if you don't get any useful information, your safety is the most important thing."
"Yes," the man in white replied, then took his leave.
The next morning, the sun shone on a verdant valley, and the lake in the valley shimmered with golden light.
At the entrance to the valley, a figure stood quietly; it was the manor lord wearing a silver mask.
He gazed intently into the distance, as if waiting for something. A short while later, a red figure flew in from afar and landed in front of the manor lord.
The newcomer, dressed in red with a bewitching face, was none other than the envoy of the Red Lotus Sect. She looked at the manor lord and smiled, "Manor lord, you have indeed arrived as promised. Our sect leader will surely be very pleased."
The manor lord smiled faintly and remained silent. He followed the envoy onto the mountain path leading to the Red Lotus Cult Leader.
As they ventured deeper into the area, the surrounding scenery grew increasingly eerie. Towering stone pillars, twisted trees—everything seemed to whisper of an ominous atmosphere.
However, the manor lord showed no fear; he seemed to have anticipated all of this. In his mind, a plan had already quietly taken shape.
Yinxianshanzhuang
"Master, do you think Chu Yuan can handle it? With his mediocre skills, can he manage?" The speaker was a spirited woman. "You should send your subordinate. I'm no worse than that sissy if I dress as a man."
The manor lord did not answer directly, but simply instructed, "Hongyu, contact Yuluo and see if she has made any new discoveries."
"Yes, Your subordinate obeys." The woman did not ask any further questions, but respectfully left the room.
Hongyu is the manor lord's personal bodyguard and confidante. She is agile, nimble, proficient in various martial arts, and meticulous, making her the manor lord's most capable assistant.
Yu Luo is a secret agent under the manor lord, skilled in disguise and intelligence gathering. She frequently infiltrates enemy lines to provide the lord with crucial information. Currently, she works as a courtesan on a pleasure boat, selling her art but not her body.
The owner of Yinxian Manor and his four subordinates set off for Kyoto, having heard that a new hot pot restaurant called "La Xian Guo" had recently opened there. It was very popular with the people of Kyoto and attracted many diners.
"Master, I heard that since the Spicy Hot Pot opened, many dignitaries have come to patronize it. To this day, it remains incredibly popular, and reservations are required every day." A servant told the master the news he had gathered.
The manor owner smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes, "Then let's go join in the fun."
The group arrived at the Spicy Hot Pot restaurant and found it bustling with customers.
The owner of the manor was not in a hurry to go in, but instead carefully examined the storefront.
A red sign with gold lettering hangs on the door, reading "La Xian Guo" (Spicy Immortal Pot). Large red lanterns hang on both sides of the door, and a potted green plant is placed in front of the door, creating a fresh and natural atmosphere.
The owner nodded and said with satisfaction, "The storefront is exquisitely decorated, which shows the owner's dedication. Let's go in and have a taste."
As the group entered the shop, they found it spacious and bright, with clean tables and chairs. Decorative items hung on the walls, adding a touch of elegance.
The waiters, dressed in uniform, warmly welcomed them and offered them menus.
The owner ordered several of his signature dishes, then asked the waiter with interest, "What's special about your Spicy Hot Pot?"
The waiter smiled and replied, "You have excellent taste, sir. Our Spicy Hot Pot is made with a unique secret recipe, characterized by its freshness, aroma, and spiciness. You'll know once you try it."
Soon, the hot pot was served. One side of the pot was bubbling with red oil, while the other side was filled with the aroma of mushroom soup.
The owner picked up a piece of meat, and following the waiter's instructions, dipped it in the sauce a dozen times before putting it in his mouth and savoring it.
It tastes fresh, tender, and juicy, with a spicy and slightly numbing flavor that makes it irresistible.
The owner nodded in satisfaction: "This restaurant's flavors are indeed unique, with excellent color, aroma, and taste."
The attendants followed the master's example and started cooking various meats and vegetables in the broth, exclaiming in admiration, "This tastes absolutely amazing!"
After the group had eaten and drunk their fill, they were in no hurry to leave. Instead, they asked the waiter about the owner of "La Xian Guo" (Spicy Immortal Pot).
"Honorable sir, our boss happens to be here today. If you wish to see him, I can inform him." Seeing the distinguished person's elegant attire, the waiter knew he was no ordinary person and quickly spoke respectfully.
"Then I'll have to trouble you." The manor lord nodded and sat down in a seat in the hall.
The waiter quickly ran to the "meeting room" on the third floor.
Upon hearing that a distinguished guest had arrived, Li Xi and the others said, "I'll go take a look. You guys continue discussing the account books; I don't really understand these things anyway."
Upon learning that the distinguished guest was already waiting, Li Xi dared not be negligent in the slightest. She quickly tidied her clothes and hurriedly walked towards the guest's private room.
She bowed respectfully, her face full of humility, and said, "It is an honor for our humble shop to have you here."
"No need for such formalities, sir. I've heard that the hot pot here is extremely popular in Kyoto, so I came here specifically to try it," the owner said with a smile.
"You flatter me, sir. This is just an ordinary little shop with some unique features," Li Xi replied modestly.
"Haha, humility is a good thing, but excessive humility is arrogance. I've heard that the hot pot here uses a unique secret recipe and all sorts of rare ingredients, making it unforgettable," the manor owner laughed.
Li Xi was startled. She hadn't expected this person to know so much about the secret recipe and ingredients of "Spicy Immortal Hot Pot." He must be a true gourmet.
She couldn't help but feel a little nervous. "You have excellent taste, sir. Our exclusive recipe is truly unique, and all the rare ingredients have been carefully selected to ensure that our guests taste the best flavor," Li Xi said respectfully.
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