I can see experience bars after being transported to another world.

The tavern is located in the northern part of the city center. You can see the lanterns hanging at the entrance from two streets away. Warm yellow light spills out from the wooden-framed windows, along with the lively sounds of people.

Bor led the way, and the group turned a corner, revealing the full extent of the tavern, which was much larger than Bronze City.

The entire building is a wooden structure, three stories high, with thick beams and pillars painted in a dark brown lacquer. Above the door hangs a wooden plaque with inscriptions, the characters shining brightly under the hanging lights.

On either side of the entrance stood a half-person-high ceramic jar, with several unknown vines inserted inside, their leaves swaying gently in the night breeze.

As I pushed open the door, a refreshing fragrance wafted towards me—the scent of herbs and trees, without a trace of alcohol.

Lu Yuan glanced around and saw several potted green plants placed against the corner of the wall and next to the pillars. The leaves were large and thick, emitting a cool and sweet fragrance that completely cleared away the stale air in the tavern.

The taverns in Bronze City always reeked of a sour, acrid smell—a mixture of alcohol stains and sweat—making one feel uncomfortable after sitting for a while. Here, none of that was present; the air was so clean you'd think you'd wandered into the wrong place.

The lobby on the first floor was bright and spacious, with more than twenty tables set up, most of which were occupied. Groups of three or five patrons gathered around the tables, drinking and chatting. Their voices were loud but not noisy, and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses blended together, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Bo'er, with his sharp eyes, waved to a group of empty tables in the corner as soon as he entered the room.

"There's enough room over there."

A group of more than twenty people rushed over. The night watchmen occupied three tables, and Hai Meng and his two companions followed closely behind. The one carrying the small drum leaned it against the table leg, while the one carrying the tubular instrument placed it under his feet. Their movements were practiced, and it was clear that they were seasoned veterans of taverns around the world.

As they sat down, Lu Yuan lured Hai Meng toward Bo Er.

"Bohr, this is Haymon, a bard, and a powerful figure who has ascended to the extraordinary realm. He is skilled in music theory, and his path is rarely seen." He tilted his head towards Haymon. "Haymon, this is Bohr, a Night's Watchman, my brother and partner."

Bor looked Haimon up and down, his gaze lingering a couple of moments on the lyre slung over his shoulder, before extending his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Haimon smiled and shook hands. "Nice to meet you, Captain Lu's brother, that's also my friend."

Bohr grinned, ignored the comment, and turned to call the bartender over to order drinks.

The wine was served quickly, pot after pot, placed on the table. The cups were made of coarse pottery, a size larger than the copper cups from Qing Tong Cheng.

It has a low alcohol content and tastes smooth.

The group sat around drinking, chatting about their experiences in Oak Forest City. Dunn and the other newcomers had never been far from home, so everything here seemed new and exciting to them. Boer would occasionally chime in, making the conversation lively.

Lu Yuan held his cup, his gaze inadvertently sweeping across the other end of the hall.

A space was cleared over there, much larger than the area usually enclosed by tables, with a thick layer of polished wooden planks on the ground.

Four or five women were dancing in that open space.

Her clothing was not revealing; it was a neat outfit similar to a short jacket and long trousers, with a wide belt around her waist and a thin veil mask on her face.

The dance steps were unlike those of a typical dance.

With large movements and quick, solid steps, each turn carries a steady force. When the arms are outstretched, the arc drawn by the fingertips is clean and crisp, exuding a dashing and heroic air.

Lu Yuan watched for a few moments and felt that there was a pattern hidden in the movements, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Haimon seemed to sense his confusion.

"This is the unique Oakwood Dance of Oakwood City." Haimon leaned back in his chair, his harp resting beside him, tilting his head slightly in that direction as he held his cup. His tone carried an air of casual knowledge. "Legend has it that it was originally a war dance used to boost morale. Oakwood City has been peaceful for too long, and this dance has evolved over the years to become what it is today."

Lu Yuan glanced at it twice more.

Just as Hai Meng had said, those women did indeed have an inspiring energy as they danced. Their footsteps were steady and powerful, and their arms were taut with strength. There was no softness to please others, only a hardness that exerted itself from within.

Haimon added, "Very few people can dance the Oak Dance. It looks like a performance, but it's actually a purposeful rehearsal." He took a sip of his wine and gestured slightly towards the women with his chin. "Don't let her current appearance as a dancer fool you; she's actually using it to hone her skills."

Lu Yuan nodded, understanding.

Bohr leaned over for a quick look and gave a brief assessment: "Pretty exciting."

After saying that, he went to get more alcohol.

When he drank his second cup, Haimon finally spoke up about the clues regarding ancient music theory.

He took the worn-out book out of the cloth bag beside him, placed it on the table, and gently pressed his palm against the spine.

"This book is about ancient music theory, a systematic approach from beginner to advanced levels." Haimon took a sip of his slightly sweet wine, his gaze falling on the book. "It was written by a master from the distant city who teaches ancient music theory in the Tower of Learning there. He's quite skilled and knowledgeable."

Lu Yuan's gaze shifted from the wine glass to the book.

"The distant city?"

"It's a city quite far from Oak Forest City," Haimon explained. "There's also a Tower of Learning there; they have them all over the empire, but it's not the same one as the one in Bronze City. The master in that tower, I heard, has been teaching for many years and is quite accomplished in ancient music theory. I overheard this by chance while I was traveling around recently."

He pushed the book toward Lu Yuan.

"After reading this, you'll have a deeper understanding of ancient music theory, which will help you decide whether or not to seek out that master."

After Haimon finished speaking, his gaze turned to the figures dancing the oak dance in the open space, and his tone was tinged with regret.

"It's a pity my master has disappeared again, otherwise I could have introduced him to you. He knows some ancient music theory, but he's always missing, running around the empire. I haven't learned it myself, so he can't teach you anything."

Lu Yuan picked up the book, flipped through the first few pages. The paper was yellowed, the edges were curled, and the handwriting was neat but the ink was uneven, indicating that it was a handwritten copy.

"That's enough." Lu Yuan closed the book, looked at Hai Meng, and said politely, "I didn't expect you to take my casual mention so seriously. I'll remember this kindness."

Haimon laughed. "Then you'd better remember that."

Lu Yuan tucked the book into his robes.

Gu Leli has been stuck for so long, unable to find a way forward in Bronze City. This trip to Oak Forest City has increased herbalism and pharmacology, and now there's this new path.

This trip to Lilin City was definitely worthwhile.

For the rest of the time, everyone drank their own drinks. Boer and a few of his brothers struck up a conversation with the patrons of Oak Forest City at the next table, while Dunn sat listening and occasionally chuckled.

Hai Meng's two companions quietly ordered a pot of wine, leaned against the corner of the wall, and poured themselves a drink, looking quite relaxed and used to this kind of thing.

Lu Yuan only drank two cups and didn't ask for more.

The wine wasn't sweet, and it had a low alcohol content, making it easy to drink, but he didn't plan to relax too much outside.

When the event ended, Bor paid the bill with a few silver shields.

The cost was very low; prices in Oak Forest City were much cheaper than in Bronze City. The total cost of drinks for this large group of people was only a few silver coins.

Lu Yuan's money was recorded on the receipt inside the Night Watch, and he didn't carry cash with him. This meal was paid for by Boer again, so he could get reimbursed when he got back. It wasn't the first time.

Hai Meng said goodbye to Lu Yuan at the door.

"I'll still be at the market tomorrow." Hai Meng slung his stringed instrument over his shoulder and waved to Lu Yuan. "Captain Lu, if you're still here, come listen to a piece."

"I'm leaving tomorrow," Lu Yuan replied.

Haimon paused for a moment, then smiled. "Then I wish you a safe journey."

He called over the man carrying the small drum and the man carrying the tubular instrument, and the three of them carried their belongings toward the other end of the street, their figures quickly disappearing into the warm yellow light.

Lu Yuan stood at the entrance of the tavern, glanced at the backs of the three people, and then turned around.

Bor leaned closer, a smudge of alcohol still on his lips. "I'll show them around a bit more, you go back first?"

"You go." Lu Yuan nodded.

Bohr responded and led Dunn and a few brothers toward the other end of the street. Their laughter drifted on the night breeze and faded into the distance.

They all had a good tolerance for alcohol, and although they drank quite a bit, they weren't drunk. For those who have reached the extraordinary level, this amount of alcohol is nothing.

Most importantly, this might be the last bit of peace and quiet. After returning to Bronze City, the brothers who came out with him will have to pick up their weapons again and fight the giant ghouls emerging from the abyss.

Whether they will still be alive by then is another matter.

Lu Yuan walked back to his residence alone.

The night in Oak Forest City was unusually quiet. Occasionally, a few pedestrians would pass by on the stone-paved road, their footsteps slow and leisurely. A few barks of dogs could be heard in the distance, along with the sound of the wind whistling through the rooftops.

The knight who had been following them stopped now, seemingly confirming that Lu Yuan wouldn't be leaving today.

He carried the book of ancient music theory in his arms, and as he walked, his hand unconsciously pressed against his chest.

Back at his lodgings, the lights were still on in the second-floor room. A new knight was on night duty at the gate. He nodded when he saw him return and didn't ask any further questions.

Lu Yuan closed the door and bolted it.

He took off his coat and draped it over the back of the chair, took out the book of ancient music theory from his pocket, and sat down at the table.

The flame on the wick flickered, casting a warm yellow light on the yellowed pages of the book.

Lu Yuan turned to the first page.

The book begins without any preamble, starting directly with the origins of ancient music theory.

Ancient music theory originated in ancient times. In that era, humans did not yet have systematic supernatural powers, and they had almost no means of direct confrontation with the strange, polluting, and giant beasts in the mountains and fields.

In their long-term interactions with these creatures, the ancients discovered something: these strange creatures and giant wild beasts in nature each had their own language; the sounds they made and the tremors of their bodies were all conveying information.

Music, on the other hand, can demonstrate one's harmlessness while drawing closer to those beings.