Chapter 347: Who’s Behind It?
Hearing his own question, Third Master’s gaze once again fell on Yu Xiaoxuan.
But then, he scoffed and shook his head in self-mockery.
“Forget it. Someone like you couldn’t possibly know. Asking is a waste of time.”
Little did he realize that Yu Xiaoxuan had been deliberately approaching him, waiting the entire night for this very moment.
“Master, you’re asking the right person this time…”
Yu Xiaoxuan stepped closer, flashing a meaningful smile.
Just then, they had unknowingly arrived at a breakfast stall, and Third Master suddenly halted his steps.
His sharp eyes studied Yu Xiaoxuan for a moment before turning toward the fragrant aroma of freshly prepared food.
Frowning slightly, he let out a mocking chuckle.
“After a night of gambling, I suppose we’re all starving. I must admit, Luo City’s food is quite impressive. Since we’ve made a new friend, let’s share a meal together. Next time we visit, we’ll be sure to drop by Lu’s Casino and find you again.”
“Of course!”
Luo City’s morning streets were packed.
With the tournament concluded, many guests and fighters had lingered for days, but now it was time to leave.
As skilled martial artists, they had limited ways to earn money in Luo City. They could spend all they wanted, but there were few ways to make a living.
Many were checking out of their inns, grabbing one last meal before departure.
The breakfast stalls were bustling with customers, selling all kinds of steamed buns, pancakes, and noodles.
Some couldn’t get enough, even packing food to take on the road.
Yu Xiaoxuan enthusiastically recommended a spot.
“Master, this shop’s beef noodle soup is excellent. Let’s head upstairs. We can order a few extra pastries and freshly ground soy milk—the taste is simply unmatched.”
Third Master nodded and handed Yu Xiaoxuan a hundred taels.
“Go and handle it.”
Luo City’s prices were low—a steaming bowl of beef noodles cost only two silver coins.
Even after ordering a feast, including soups, side dishes, and pastries, the total barely reached thirty taels.
When the plates arrived, the men from Feng City were astonished.
The vibrant colors and exquisite presentation were unlike anything they had seen before.
Delicate red bean buns, shaped like little piglets.
Black sesame pastries, designed like blooming flowers.
Bowls of spicy, fragrant beef noodle soup, each filled with tender chunks of braised beef.
Crystal-clear sour and spicy vermicelli, delicate soup dumplings, crispy pan-fried dumplings, glutinous sweet rice balls…
Their eyes widened in amazement at the variety and fine craftsmanship of the dishes.
Used to coarse, simple meals in Feng City, they couldn’t hold back any longer.
Grabbing their chopsticks, they devoured the food without restraint.
Even Third Master, who initially planned to maintain his composure, quickly lost himself in the feast.
Each bite was better than the last.
Soon, the table was nearly empty.
Seeing how much they enjoyed the meal, Yu Xiaoxuan ordered another round of fresh dishes.
Two full hours later, in a spacious private dining room, the large circular table was completely wiped clean.
As Third Master leaned back in satisfaction, he suddenly realized—
He had been so focused on eating that he had nearly forgotten the real reason for meeting Yu Xiaoxuan.
Yu Xiaoxuan, meanwhile, politely placed the remaining silver taels back in front of Third Master.
“Master, here’s the change.”
Despite ordering another round of food, the total cost barely exceeded forty taels.
Yu Xiaoxuan could have easily pocketed the remainder, but he knew better than to be greedy.
Third Master glanced at the silver and raised an eyebrow.
For someone accustomed to Feng City’s prices, this was shocking.
Even a single bowl of plain noodles in Feng City’s cheapest stalls cost at least a tael of silver.
Yet here, in an elegantly decorated establishment, with lavish, high-quality dishes, the total cost was less than fifty taels?!
“Keep it.”
“Since you’re just making a living, use it to buy something nice for your family.”
Yu Xiaoxuan gratefully smiled and accepted the money.
He knew that, to someone like Third Master, this small amount was insignificant.
But more importantly, he had successfully won their trust.
As he pocketed the silver, he took the initiative to bring up the main topic.
“Master, are you interested in Luo City’s lord?”
Third Master raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? You’re quite perceptive.”
“Go on. I was planning to visit the city lord later. A little knowledge beforehand wouldn’t hurt.”
“Master is too modest. Actually, the Luo City Lord and I are old acquaintances.”
Hearing this, Third Master’s eyes darkened slightly.
He had come here to investigate Luo City’s true backers.
Yet, according to this seemingly ordinary casino worker, the city lord was nothing more than an exile?
And on top of that, a man with no martial skills?!
Third Master’s subordinates exchanged shocked glances.
How could it be?
Luo City, built into such a grand stronghold in under a year, was supposedly led by a powerless exile?
And yet, its construction continued to expand, with an army of skilled craftsmen working nonstop.
Third Master had difficulty believing this.
He had assumed the real power behind Luo City must be someone formidable—yet the answer seemed too simple.
His suspicions deepened.
“If that’s truly the case…”
“Then they must have a powerful financial backer.”
“A city of this size—built in less than a year—requires a vast amount of money.”
Third Master’s gaze sharpened.
“Tell me. Who’s really supporting them?”
