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"Hmm... That idea doesn't sound bad."
The three begin finding a person who doesn't look strong with an easy-going personality, but soon they notice they are unable to differentiate between their strength.
Since the three are just humans, to them, reaching the level of a Divine Being is enough to touch the pinnacle of power. Beyond that, they can't determine who is stronger and who is weaker.
Just then, a person passed by. He was a man wearing a long robe woven with constellations, and his face was obscured by a dragon-scale mask.
He floated rather than walked, and bowed ever so slightly as he passed them by.
Hao-Yun whispered, "Hey, let's choose him!"
Eun-Chae and Evelyn said, "Are you sure?"
"Hmm..."
"Excuse me, Mister..."
"Hmm...? Are you referring to me?"
Hao-Yun said, "Yes, actually, we are travellers, and wanted to know about the Temple of Divine Might. Could you tell us about it?"
"In exchange for the information, we could give you some of our energy."
"The Temple of Divine Might… the remnants of the Forgotten Flame."
Evelyn was curious. "You know it?"
The masked man tilted his head. "Few ask for it. Fewer return."
Eun-Chae stepped back instinctively. "Is it a cursed place?"
The man ignored her; his gaze was fixed on Hao-Yun.
"To walk toward that Temple is to trespass against what the Heavens tried to erase. But… you wear a scent that does not belong to this realm. An authority older than time."
Hao-Yun didn't flinch. "Where is the temple?"
After a long pause. The masked figure slowly raised his hand and pointed upward. The distance toward a stretch of the floating city shrouded in fog and shadow, untouched by bells or banners.
"Beyond the eastern light, where no wind blows… lies the Temple of Divine Might. It is sealed behind a veil. To reach it, you must shed all falsehood, all borrowed form. Only the soul's truest intent may pass."
Evelyn smirked. "Sounds like a security system designed by a poet."
The masked man didn't laugh. "He who guards it has no form. He takes the shape of what you fear most… and speaks only in riddles you've buried."
Hao-Yun asked. "And if we fail?"
The man lowered his hand. "Then your names shall be unspoken. Not erased, not remembered… only… unwritten."
Without another word, he turned and vanished. His robes dissolved into constellations that scattered into the clouds.
The wind suddenly returned. As if the world now knew where they were going.
Hao-Yun saw a new hope. Guys, now we know where the Temple is; the only thing remaining is how to reach it.
Growl…
Eun-Chae was embarrassed.
Evelyn diverted their attention, "I'm also hungry, how about before going ahead, let's eat something first?"
Hao yun liked the idea, "You're right, we might won't get a chance like this again, let's try some of Heaven's cuisines."
The three walked over to a nearby diner.
Hao-Yun used the same style to order as he used to on Earth." Hey, master, whip up whatever you recommend today for me."
"Okay! Just wait a minute!"
"Evelyn, Eun-Chae, won't you order something?"
Evelyn finally broke her silence. "How are you so calm and casual in this situation, Hao-Yun?
Hao-Yun replied, "Actually, I've completed some Tasks that required me to visit other realms and dimensions."
Both Evelyn and Eun-Chae frowned. "So, that's the reason, huh?"
Hao-Yun once again asked, "So, now that you know, won't you order anything?"
"Hmm... I should order something... but where's the menu?"
One of the waiters arrived at their table, "Thanks for waiting."
"Here's your ordered food."
For some reason, He brought a lot of dishes and put them on their table. It confused Hao-Yun.
He asked, "But, I didn't order these, I just asked the Master for his recommendation."
Dear Customer, you're right, "But all of these are today's recommendations."
Hao-Yun didn't understand his logic. How could someone bring so much food for just one person?
"Evelyn, Eun-Chae, since the food has already arrived, let's eat this." They had no choice except for this.
The three of them then took a glance at the food, it was radiating, it looked delicious, and it had an otherworldly fragrance.
Hao-Yun asked the waiter, "Can you explain what these dishes are?"
"Absolutely! Dear customer, let's begin with this soup."
"This soup is Dragonfruit Nectar Soup, served in transparent moonstone bowls. It glows faintly because of some special herbs. One sip of it eases all fatigue and clears the mind.
Eun-Chae was drooling after listening to his explanation. She couldn't stop herself and slurped some of the soup ahead of Hao-Yun and Evelyn.
"It tastes like... Divine blessings." She was muttering nonsense, since she didn't have enough words to compliment the soup.
"Now, Look at this... These are the Jade Blossom Dumplings. They are delicate dumplings wrapped in translucent green rice paper, filled with lotus root, snow pear, and mythical bird meat; today was phoenix fowl. "
"The third one is Starlight Rice. They are grains like tiny pearls that gleam under moonlight. When chewed, they taste like sweet toasted sesame, but also leave behind a floral scent on the breath.
"The fourth dish is Heavenly Ox Rib Glaze, made from beasts bred on clouds, the meat melts with a subtle spice and golden glaze."
"The fifth one is Petal Wine. It is a mild drink brewed from dream orchids. It doesn't intoxicate but stirs dormant thoughts, memories, wishes, and sometimes sadness.
"The last one is Fortune Peaches. Small and soft, these fruits grant good luck to whoever eats them. Take its first bite, and it would melt in your mouth before you could even taste it properly. It has a slightly sweet taste that can't be compared to any other fruit."
Hao-Yun, Evelyn, and Eun-Chae felt like their hunger increased 3 folds after listening to the waiter. They couldn't stop themselves anymore and devoured the food like they had been starving for years.
The residents of Dream Realm who were passing by were drawn to the three. They had forgotten their eating manners and were continuously eating until their stomach were bloated. And when they stopped, the expression of bliss they made attracted dozens of Divine beings.
In no time, the Open Diner was crowded by customers wanting to eat the same dishes as the three were eating.
After a few minutes, Hao-Yun, Evelyn, and Eun-Chae moved from the table. They approached the Master for payment, but it looked like he was too busy.
However, when he saw it was those three, he stopped his work and went there.
"My dear customers, thanks to you, my business is booming today. I can't thank you enough."
"As for today's meal, think of it as a service from me."
"Really? Thanks a lot, Master!" Hao-Yun was overjoyed when he heard this. Since they were in a good position, he tried getting some information out of the diner owner.
"Master, do you know how we can travel to other Islands, like the one above us?"
The owner replied, "Looks like you folks came from far away, that's why you don't know such a common thing."
"It's very easy, just walk straight from here, you'll find a crowd and a banner of Heaven's travel."
"There, you can just take a cloud ride and visit any town or island."
Hao-Yun was surprised, "Thanks for the help, Master. We'll come again."
"Yeah-Yeah, you'll always be welcomed in my diner."
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