LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 22: Chapter 22
"Boss, the usual, two portions!"
Landorus led Li Pan into Wanmin Restaurant, calling out loudly to Chef Mao, who was busy in the kitchen.
"Got it! Oh, it's Landorus. Did you bring a friend today?"
Chef Mao, already familiar with Landorus, responded with a smile. The two of them found a seat and sat down.
The other customers glanced over curiously, as Landorus's appearance was quite unusual. Those who were familiar with it began explaining Landorus's story to their friends.
Li Pan looked around curiously at the restaurant, which had gained quite a reputation in the game. To be honest, Wanmin Restaurant wasn't very big. Compared to Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk, it was like comparing heaven and earth.
But Wanmin Restaurant had something those two lacked—a sense of warmth and life.
The warmth of human life is the most comforting thing for mortals.
Every inch of this place exuded a strong sense of human connection.
Li Pan didn't dislike this feeling.
Landorus, watching Li Pan look around, smiled and stroked its cloud-like beard.
Soon, the dishes were brought out by Chef Mao. A few red steamed buns were placed on top of the rich, oily, and spicy Wanmin Boiled Fish, and the sound of sizzling oil could be heard from the plate.
"Here you go, Wanmin Boiled Fish and Spicy Meat Buns. Enjoy your meal, honored guests."
Chef Mao hurriedly placed the dishes on the table and immediately rushed back to the kitchen.
When Xiangling was around, he wasn't this busy, but now that she was gone, he was spinning like a top.
"Hehe, dig in. Their Spicy Meat Buns and Boiled Fish are absolutely amazing."
Landorus skillfully grabbed a pair of chopsticks from the holder, picked up a slice of fish, and put it in its mouth, closing its eyes in satisfaction as it savored the flavor.
After swallowing the fish, Landorus opened its eyes, ready to take another bite, but noticed Li Pan staring intently at it.
"Why are you looking at me?"
Landorus scratched its nose, confused by Li Pan's expression.
"Oh, nothing. I was just curious if you eat Pokéblocks or human food." Li Pan looked genuinely curious.
Landorus chuckled. "Pokéblocks are just for energy replenishment. Those little guys can't draw energy from the world, so they have to rely on eating. But I'm different. As the God of Fields, I can draw enough energy from the fields to sustain myself."
Now Li Pan understood. Legendary Pokémon were indeed legendary. Ordinary Pokémon couldn't compare to them, they were already at a disadvantage from the start.
With his curiosity satisfied, Li Pan picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the fish skin. As expected of Wanmin's specialty, it was spicy, fragrant, and left an endless aftertaste.
"Gentlemen, Wanmin's Boiled Fish is best paired with Pickled Bamboo Shoots. The freshness of the bamboo shoots balances the spiciness of the fish. Why not give it a try?"
Just then, a calm voice sounded behind them.
Hearing the voice, Li Pan's hand trembled, and he nearly dropped his chopsticks into the plate.
He knew this voice all too well. As someone who struggled with exploration in the game, this person was an absolute must-have in his team.
Zhongli!
The true identity of the Geo Archon, Morax, now living as a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As for why this old man had come to talk to him, Li Pan wasn't surprised. After all, he had been openly selling Pokémon in Liyue. If this old man didn't show some interest, he wouldn't be Morax.
Li Pan turned around and saw a tall, handsome man looking at him.
"My name is Zhongli, a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
After Li Pan invited Zhongli to sit down, Zhongli observed Landorus for a moment before speaking.
An unfamiliar deity…
Zhongli thought with some heaviness in his heart.
He sensed an aura of authority from Landorus. Without a doubt, Landorus was a deity—a deity from another world!
He just didn't know how powerful it was.
Zhongli decided to test the waters. If Landorus showed even the slightest hostility toward Liyue, he would have to strike first.
"Zhongli… Oh, I've heard of you. You're quite famous in Liyue Harbor. They say you have knowledge far beyond ordinary people and are one of the most refined individuals in the world."
On the other hand, after hearing Zhongli's name, Landorus felt a sense of familiarity. Stroking its cloud-like beard, it pondered for a moment before remembering where it had heard the name before.
Over the past few days, Landorus had made friends with many people and often engaged in casual conversations. The name Zhongli had come up in a conversation with a small-time antique dealer.
Zhongli had once bought a thousand-year-old porcelain basin from the dealer for ten thousand Mora. At the time, the dealer was quite pleased, as he knew his stall didn't have any genuine items.
But after Zhongli took the basin, he lightly tapped the rim with his finger, causing the walls to shatter. Zhongli then took out the intact base, revealing a plate that, based on its patterns, dated back to the time of the Archon War!
The dealer immediately regretted it and tried to buy the plate back, but Zhongli refused to sell it.
When the dealer told Landorus this story, he was beating his chest in regret, wishing he could turn back time.
It was because of this incident that Landorus had a particularly deep impression of Zhongli's name.
At the dinner table, as Landorus recounted the story, Li Pan's face was full of disbelief.
Liyue really had been figured out by this guy. In just a few days, he had already become one with the people of Liyue.
Zhongli gave Landorus a deep look before shifting his gaze back to Li Pan.
"Mr. Li, since your companion already knows my name, you should also know who I am. I have a fondness for novel things. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Li?"
Zhongli spoke solemnly, but seeing him lie so blatantly, Li Pan couldn't help but want to laugh.
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