Chapter 90: Where Dwells the Immortal of Wine? Three Days’ Journey

It turned out that the Drunken Immortal Pavilion was far more than its outward appearance suggested, and the Old Wine Street was not, in fact, above ground. Passing through the stone platform behind the old man, another space revealed itself—a descending staircase of indeterminate depth led them into another world altogether.

More precisely, they entered the true Old Wine Street, a place where the fragrance of wine permeated the air for miles, a street of ancient vintages, rich and intoxicating. Su Fan followed behind Lin Xiaofeng, gazing about in awe, marveling at this subterranean city, entirely man-made. The city was exquisitely crafted, with all amenities provided and crowds bustling through its avenues.

Illuminated by countless lamps, the city was aglow; though a single lamp might not suffice, the entire street was lit, creating a scene of enchanting beauty. Calls from shopkeepers echoed through the air, mingling with the bargaining voices of customers, as lively as any market above ground. The air was fresh and cool, entirely comfortable, without the slightest trace of discomfort.

Su Fan, watching the slow-moving Lin Xiaofeng ahead, suddenly asked, “Why is everyone down here, instead of up on Old Wine Street? Isn’t it unnecessary to build this underground city?”

Lin Xiaofeng replied, “The wine of Old Wine Street is so fragrant it can drift for miles. But the county governor has forbidden the sale of wine outside Old Wine Street, so it must be sold here.”

Su Fan frowned and asked, “Why forbid the sale of wine? Aren’t there taverns outside?”

Lin Xiaofeng gave a bitter laugh. “Have you ever seen a tavern outside Old Wine Street?”

Su Fan thought for a moment, then chuckled dryly. “Now that you mention it, I never have.”

Lin Xiaofeng continued, “The county governor said he fears the Black Armored Army of the county headquarters might drink and neglect their duties, so he won’t allow the wine from Old Wine Street to be sold outside.”

Su Fan asked curiously, “But the Black Armored Army are cultivators; how could mere wine intoxicate them and cause trouble?”

Lin Xiaofeng shot Su Fan a glance and mocked, “Have you forgotten? You nearly got drunk after only three times the old man’s wine.”

Su Fan shrugged helplessly. “But I didn’t get drunk.”

Lin Xiaofeng retorted, “But the Black Armored Army isn’t as strong as you.”

Su Fan fell silent, for the wine of Old Wine Street was indeed remarkable. Had he not gained some insight, he might well have ended up asleep in some unknown place.

They walked on, as if all the people emerged from a single passage, entering through the same exit but departing from different shops.

Unknowingly, Su Fan had walked a long way. With each step, the fragrance of wine faded a little. Reaching the end of the street, the aroma was gone, replaced by another unfamiliar scent—a wine Su Fan had never tasted.

Once again, they found themselves before the Drunken Immortal Residence. The graceful character for “wine” hung lazily in the air, and the three characters for “Drunken Immortal Residence” danced like dragons and phoenixes, as if they might soar heavenward.

Su Fan stepped inside. The cashier was no longer languid, but stood respectfully behind the counter.

Su Fan smiled and asked, “Does your establishment sell wine?”

Lin Xiaofeng glanced at Su Fan in disdain. “If a wine shop doesn’t sell wine, where would you buy it?”

The cashier looked at Su Fan calmly and said, “We do not sell wine here.”

Lin Xiaofeng protested anxiously, “You don’t sell wine, yet you hang a wine shop sign?”

Without looking at Lin Xiaofeng, the cashier replied, “If you wish to drink, we can let you drink your fill.”

Su Fan smiled, “In that case, I shall not be polite. Bring out the wine.”

The cashier said nothing more, turned and entered the back hall, perhaps to give instructions. Moments later, he emerged carrying a massive wine jar in one hand. The enormous jar was far out of proportion to his slender frame; it would take five men to lift it, yet he did so effortlessly. And he was, after all, just a mortal.

Su Fan stared at the cashier in astonishment, even more surprised than when he saw Lin Xiaofeng stop the black horse earlier.

The cashier dropped the jar at Su Fan’s feet with a flick of his hand, then returned to the counter.

Su Fan was momentarily stunned. Lin Xiaofeng produced two large bowls from somewhere and silently handed one to Su Fan.

Su Fan chuckled awkwardly, took the bowl, scooped out a full serving, and brought it to his lips.

The wine was exceedingly mild—so mild, it was almost tasteless, like pure water. Su Fan frowned slightly.

Lin Xiaofeng had already taken a sip. “What kind of wine is this? Are you afraid I can’t pay? Trying to fool us with water?”

The cashier replied coldly, “Drinking wine from a bowl—what does taste matter? Good wine, plain water, it makes no difference.”

Lin Xiaofeng was momentarily at a loss for words, for truly, when drinking from a bowl, one hardly cares about the taste.

Su Fan smiled lightly. “You seem quite knowledgeable about drinking. How should one drink wine?”

The cashier sneered, “Who is it that drinks wine?”

Su Fan answered, “Naturally, it is oneself who drinks.”

The cashier said, “Then why should I tell you how to drink?”

Lin Xiaofeng had grown impatient. “You really do talk a lot.”

Su Fan fell silent, scooping another bowl and savoring this water-like wine.

After a long while, Su Fan smiled and asked, “Is the Wine Immortal available? I would like to meet him.”

For the first time, the cashier smiled. “In the backyard, there are three paths. Choose one and walk straight ahead. If the Wine Immortal wishes to see you, he will appear.”

The backyard was quiet, so quiet that even the bustling sounds of the street were absent.

Su Fan chose the path to the right. Lin Xiaofeng did not follow; he stayed behind to drink more. Su Fan suddenly realized that this childlike old man loved wine even more than he did.

The path was narrow, only wide enough for one person. Su Fan stepped through the fragrant earth, heading deeper.

He walked for an unknown time, until the clear and melodious chirping of birds reached his ears.

Gradually, his view opened up, revealing a clearing in the heart of the woods.