Reverend Insanity: Heaven Illusion Demon Venerable

Chapter 5 - Yanxiao Li Tianhuan

Levi stepped out of the wooden house, his feet slipping into simple wooden slippers, the kind worn by old Chinese villagers. The damp ground beneath him squished slightly as the soft patter of rain echoed in the morning air, a rhythmic melody that filled the silence. The mist that hung over Mengyun Mountain seemed thicker than usual, clinging to the air like a veil. It blurred the edges of the landscape, turning trees and distant structures into ghostly silhouettes.

The sun, though risen, was obscured by layers of fog and low-hanging clouds. Faint rays of light struggled to pierce through, casting a dim, diffused glow across the village. The rain caught the muted sunlight, creating a delicate shimmer on the wet stone paths and glistening rooftops. Droplets hung precariously on leaves and wooden beams, trembling before falling to join the puddles below.

Levi paused, taking in the scene before him. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil and the faint aroma of woodsmoke from nearby houses. It was serene, almost deceptively so, given the reality of the world he was now part of.

"This place," Levi murmured to himself, "it's beautiful in its own way. But it is also a harsh world for beginners like me."

The village paths were narrow, lined with houses of varying sizes, all made of the same sturdy wood and stone. Moss crept up the sides of walls, and ivy dangled from the eaves. People moved about their morning routines, their silhouettes shifting through the fog like phantoms. Despite the quiet, there was a sense of underlying tension, a reminder of the Yanxiao Clan's harsh expectations.

Levi pulled his cloak tighter around him, shielding himself from the rain as he made his way down the path. The droplets splashed against his shoulders, but he didn't mind. His mind was already working, cataloging the details of his surroundings, the people he passed, and the paths leading deeper into the village.

Ahead, the village restaurant began to take shape through the fog. The small, wooden building exuded a warm glow from its windows, a stark contrast to the cold rain outside. The scent of freshly steamed buns and simmering broth wafted through the air, teasing Levi's empty stomach. The sound of low chatter and clinking bowls added to the inviting atmosphere.

Levi pulled his cloak tighter as he approached. His mind was still racing with thoughts of his goals, but the promise of food temporarily eased his tension. Stepping inside, he was greeted by the sight of villagers sharing meals, their faces lit with fleeting smiles despite the harsh realities of life. The warmth of the room and the aroma of food made him pause and breathe deeply.

"Yanxiao Li Tianhuan," Levi muttered under his breath, testing the name that now belonged to him. "I'll use your name."

Levi walked up to a corner table, pulling out a wooden stool and sitting down. A server approached him, a young boy dressed in plain but clean robes. The boy offered Levi a polite smile before speaking.

"What would you like to order, young master?"

Levi glanced at the menu written in elegant strokes on a wooden plaque hung on the wall. "I'll have a bowl of yuntun mian (wonton noodles) and a side of rou jia mo (Chinese-style meat buns)," he said.

The boy nodded swiftly. "Coming right up."

As Levi waited, he observed the other patrons. Most were local villagers, their conversations quiet but lively, occasionally punctuated by laughter. The atmosphere was warm and unhurried, a stark contrast to the cold rain outside.

Within two minutes, the boy returned with a steaming bowl of yuntun mian. The fragrant aroma of the broth, filled with tender wontons and springy noodles, made Levi's stomach growl audibly. Alongside it was a plate of rou jia mo, the buns golden and crisp, stuffed with savory, slow-cooked meat.

Levi picked up his chopsticks, allowing himself a small smile as he took his first bite. The broth was warm and savory, filling him with a soothing comfort he hadn't realized he craved. The tender wontons, stuffed with flavorful meat, melted in his mouth as he savored each bite. The noodles were perfectly cooked, springy and satisfying as he slurped them up. Between mouthfuls, he alternated bites of the crispy rou jia mo, the rich, slow-cooked meat filling a perfect complement to the refreshing soup.

He took his time, letting the warmth of the meal spread through his body, driving away the chill of the rain-soaked morning. With each bite, Levi felt more grounded, the chaos of his thoughts settling into a manageable hum. "This," he thought, "amazing even though I haven't tried any chineese food except Sushi in my previous life, due to the previous owner of this bodies memory I got know all of the language and food info."

As the last bits of food disappeared, he placed his chopsticks neatly on the empty bowl, leaning back with a content sigh. "Delicious," he muttered to himself, appreciating the simple but hearty meal.

Levi stood up, reached into his pocket, and pulled out half of a primeval stone. He placed it on the table, a customary payment for the meal, and nodded politely to the server. "Thank you," he said simply.

Stepping back outside, the rain had not let up, and the fog remained thick. Levi adjusted his cloak and began walking toward the academy.