Chapter 45: Meeting Bi Yao

As Grey began to dig into the food with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn't seen a decent meal in days, Shu Shu couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Grey, slow down! You look like a hungry ghost who's just discovered a buffet."With his mouth full and his cheeks puffed up, Grey attempted to respond, but all that came out was a garbled, "I'm hungryyy from flyiiing!"—which sounded more like a strange chant than anything coherent.The others at the table stared at him, clearly confused by his muffled words. Shu Shu leaned over, smirking. "We'll pretend we understand that."Just then, the waiter arrived with a flourish, setting a steaming bowl in the center of the table. "Spicy Clear Fish Soup!" he announced, as if unveiling a treasure chest.The rich aroma filled the air, and Grey's eyes immediately lit up as he grabbed his chopsticks, barely waiting for the bowl to stop moving.He took a bite, his face brightening with delight. "This... this is incredible! It's like... like my tongue is on a spicy adventure!"He nodded at the waiter with an exaggerated look of appreciation. "It really deserves to be your signature dish."The waiter, proud of the praise, gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, guest. The fish was brought all the way from Zhangung Mountain. Quite the rare delicacy."Just as Grey was about to dive back into his meal, a voice cut through the lively atmosphere of the restaurant like a chilling breeze, its elegance tinged with contempt."How can this be called a 'special dish'? Don't you think it's lowering the reputation of your Mountains and Seas?"Grey, mid-chewing on a piece of fish, blinked in confusion. He glanced around, trying to identify the source of the voice. "Lowering reputation?" he thought. "But it tastes amazing!"Shu Shu, sitting beside him, snorted, barely containing his laughter. "She must have very fancy taste buds."Intrigued, Grey finally looked up, his gaze locked on the owner of the voice. Slowly walking toward their table was a girl whose appearance immediately commanded attention.Dressed in elegant green robes, her graceful figure moved with an air of confidence and poise. Her long, dark black hair, threaded with strands of green that shimmered in the dim light, flowed effortlessly down her back.Her almond-shaped eyes, sharp yet playful, radiated intelligence with a subtle hint of mischief, as if she was always a step ahead of those around her.And despite the disdain in her voice, her lips curved in a slight smile that hinted at deeper thoughts.It was Bi Yao.Grey froze for a moment as recognition hit him like a bolt of lightning.He knew her from the original story—the girl destined to meet Xiao Fan for the first time here, in this very restaurant.This was the moment where their fates were supposed to intertwine. Over time, Xiao Fan would grow close to her, their relationship blossoming into love.But that love would end tragically, with Bi Yao sacrificing herself to save Xiao Fan. It was one of the most heartbreaking moments in the original plot.For a moment, Grey felt a pang of pity for her. "Such a beautiful girl, but she died in the end," he mused silently. "Her heart isn't bad. It's just the world that's cruel to her."But now... things were different. Xiao Fan wasn't here. His destiny had changed, and perhaps, her fate also would also change.Her voice pulled Grey from his thoughts. "This fish," she said with a small, amused smile, her eyes flicking toward him, "is from Huang Gong Mountain, isn't it? A thousand miles away, if I'm not mistaken?"Grey, still chewing, blinked at her.How does she manage to turn a simple meal into a confrontation? He glanced down at his plate, then back at Bi Yao. Seriously, it's just fish.He knew Bi Yao hated the Righteous Sect, but was it really necessary to make trouble over food?Without missing a beat, Bi Yao continued, "It must've taken half a month to bring this fish here, yes?"Grey's eyes widened as he glanced nervously at the waiter.Don't tell me I'm eating a fish that's been dead for half a month. His stomach churned as the fragrant aroma suddenly seemed less... fragrant.Did the original story mention this? No, but he couldn't shake the suspicion now crawling up his spine.Desperately seeking answers, Grey's eyes locked onto the waiter, who quickly stepped forward like a soldier rushing into battle."Ah, esteemed guest," the waiter began, bowing slightly."The fish was originally from Huang Gong Mountain, but it was moved to Azure Lake by the Taoists of the Azure Cloud Sect. Thanks to their efforts, we are able to serve it fresh here at Mountains and Seas."Great save, buddy, Grey thought, silently applauding the waiter.Bi Yao raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sharper smile. "Oh, I see. So now, this fish is 'special' because it swam in Azure Lake, basking in the divine light of the Azure Cloud Sect disciples?" Her sarcasm was so thick it could have been served alongside the fish."Are you implying that the Azure Cloud Sect is good at raising fish?" Bi Yao added, pointed sarcasm dripping from her words.Grey admired Bi Yao's sharp wit, though it always came with a side of trouble. And trouble was exactly what Lu Xueqi, silent until now, was about to serve.Her face darkened, like the sky just before a storm. For her, the Azure Cloud Sect wasn't just a sect; it was her home.Taken in as an orphan, her master had raised her like a daughter. The sect was more than just a place of learning—it was her sanctuary.And now, Bi Yao was about to poke that bear.Before Lu Xueqi could respond, Grey quickly stepped in, flashing a calm yet firm smile. "Girl, let's not make a scene over fish."Bi Yao's eyes sparkled with mischief. "And what if I do?" Her smile was unwavering, almost daring him to stop her.Grey's grin widened, still playful but now with an edge of warning. "Then don't blame me."With a flick of his fingers, a soft blue glow of Qi enveloped Bi Yao. She blinked, startled, as she was lifted gently into the air. Her usual confident smirk dissolved into a surprised yelp."Drop me, you bastard!" she shouted, her cool facade cracking as she hovered above the table."Don't worry," Grey chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'll drop you... back where you came from."With a casual wave of his hand, he sent her floating backward, drifting slowly away like a balloon caught in a breeze."Bye-bye," Grey said cheerfully, waving as if sending off an unruly child. "Maybe next time, you won't have such a rude mouth.""You bastard! I'll—" Bi Yao's voice grew fainter as she floated further away, her angry curses fading into the distance."Whoosh, the trouble is gone," Grey said with a satisfied grin, maintaining control of the situation as if it were a minor inconvenience.He turned to Lu Xueqi, who still looked ready to explode. "Junior sister, just focus on your meal and ignore her words."Lu Xueqi blinked, the tension in her posture slowly unwinding as she sat back down.Grey leaned back in his chair, pleased with himself. Crisis averted. Well, at least for now.