But this time, it was different.
A figure stood quietly in the secret passage, watching Chu Qing and his group.
Behind that figure was a secret chamber.
Someone was boiling water, the faint aroma of seasonings wafting through the air; in front of the boiling pot sat a middle-aged man.
He tilted his head, gazing at the empty rack, and sighed softly:
"I wondered why Old Bai hadn't come yet... turns out he ran into some trouble."
"Are you Wang Kuan?"
Chu Qing asked softly.
"Indeed, I am."
Wang Kuan nodded:
"Judging by your voice, you're quite young; making it all the way here, it's been quite the feat.
"What, do you intend to play the hero? Uphold justice for the people?
"Kid, let me tell you, heroes don't live long, so why bother?"
Chu Qing did not respond to his question but instead asked:
"Is human flesh... really that tasty?"
"Why not try some and see?"
Wang Kuan cast a glance back at Chu Qing, his eyes glinting with a strange light:
