"A guide?" Yang Kai was genuinely surprised. To think that someone would specifically guide people into the Ancient Lands — that was rather novel.
But after a moment's thought about all the dangers lurking in the passage to the Ancient Lands, he quickly understood.
"Don't underestimate this Old Ban, sir. His cultivation isn't high — only Daoyuan Realm, First Level — and he's getting on in years, but among everyone in Desolation City who's entered the Ancient Lands and returned safely, he's made the most trips. I've lived here for thirty years, and I've heard of him doing it at least a hundred times. Other people would be considered remarkable if they managed three or five complete round trips, but he's the best guide in all of Desolation City. No one can compare."
Yang Kai couldn't help but look impressed. "How has he been able to go in and out so many times?"
Pi San gave a wry smile. "That's what I'd like to know too. Old Ban never tells anyone his secret, but if I had to guess, he's probably figured out a safe route in and out."
Yang Kai nodded. "Then I'll have to go see him. Is this Old Ban currently in the city?"
Being cautious was always wise. Though he was skilled and bold, if someone could guide him safely into the Ancient Lands, that wouldn't be a bad option.
"He is. I saw him just yesterday. But if you want him as a guide, the fee is at least three hundred thousand source crystals."
"Source crystals aren't a problem," Yang Kai said with a faint smile.
Three hundred thousand source crystals was a pittance to him. The feast Pi San had just enjoyed had cost five hundred thousand.
"Then shall I take you to him?" Pi San asked eagerly.
Yang Kai nodded, then thought for a moment and called over a server from the tavern, asking her to bring another ten jugs of Primitive Wildness Wine to go.
He didn't need to drink the stuff himself, but there was no harm in Zhang Ruoxi having more.
Before long, the server returned with ten jugs of Primitive Wildness Wine. To Yang Kai's surprise, before he could even pay, she smiled and said, "There's no need to pay for these. Our manager said they are a gift for you, sir. Please accept them."
"The manager?" Yang Kai's brow furrowed slightly.
Pi San, on the other hand, stared at Yang Kai with a look of utter astonishment, his eyes full of disbelief.
"Why would your manager give me these?" Yang Kai asked the server.
The server shook her head. "I wouldn't know, sir."
Yang Kai frowned, then waved his hand and placed a portion of source crystals on the table from his space ring before sweeping the ten jugs of Primitive Wildness Wine into the ring. He gestured to Zhang Ruoxi and Pi San. "Let's go."
The server blinked, seemingly not expecting anyone to refuse a free gift. By the time she recovered, Yang Kai had already left the tavern.
Once outside, Pi San hesitated several times before finally speaking up. "Sir, do you know that manager?"
"No. It's my first time here," Yang Kai replied casually.
"That's strange. If you don't know him, why would he give you ten jugs of Primitive Wildness Wine?"
Yang Kai chuckled softly. "Unprovoked generosity is either cunning or thievery. Whatever his motive, it doesn't matter." He paused, then asked, "What's the background of this tavern?"
Pi San shook his head. "I'm not sure either. It seems to have been around for a very long time. The manager has always been mysterious and never shows his face, so nobody in Desolation City knows what the tavern's real origins are. But everyone suspects there's a powerful force behind it — otherwise, it couldn't establish itself in Desolation City, let alone run such a lavish establishment."
Even a well-connected insider like Pi San didn't know the tavern's background. It really did seem to be backed by a major power.
Yang Kai had refused the free wine precisely because he didn't want to get entangled with this tavern. Taking things from people made it harder to stay objective when the time came.
On the tavern's second floor, a pair of bright eyes watched the direction Yang Kai had departed. After a long moment, a soft sigh escaped, and a voice suddenly spoke: "Send a message to the Young Master. Tell him the person he mentioned has arrived and will likely enter the Ancient Lands soon. Have him prepare."
"Understood!" A voice replied from the darkness.
……
Desolation City covered a considerable area. After walking for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Yang Kai and his companions finally arrived at a location in the western part of the city.
Pi San pointed toward a stone house in the distance. "That's Old Ban's residence. You should go up yourself, sir. Old Ban doesn't think very highly of me, so I won't accompany you — I wouldn't want him to see me and develop a prejudice against you as well."
Yang Kai nodded. "You've worked hard."
Pi San smiled. "You're too kind, sir. I wish you a smooth journey and a swift return. I'll take my leave!"
With that, Pi San darted away and vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Let's go," Yang Kai said, and headed straight for the stone house Pi San had indicated.
The buildings here were built without the slightest hint of aesthetics, but they were极为 sturdy — perfectly in keeping with the style of Desolation City.
Before long, Yang Kai and Zhang Ruoxi arrived in front of the stone house. Looking it over, it resembled a simple farmhouse compound, surrounded by a low stone wall with a single gate facing the front.