As the weak morning sunlight filtered through the glass, casting dappled shadows across the room, Cao Yi gasped as he awoke, feeling an unexpected chill. Sitting up, he was surprised to find frost blanketing the floor.
Just a meter away, Ye Lvzhi Gu was exuding a cold aura, confirming his suspicions about the source of this frigid atmosphere. Cao Yi quickly grabbed the purple-gold gourd, murmuring an incantation to draw Ye Lvzhi Gu back inside, then tidied up his surroundings before donning his Daoist robe, which had spent the night on the balcony.
Entering the living area, he resumed his morning rituals that had been interrupted by their journey to the Goddess Tomb. He started with the "Chengqing Yun," a chanting practice that, while reflecting the essence of Daoism, bore similarities to Buddhist mantras.
After an extensive morning session, he was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Come in," he called, opening the door to reveal Big Gold Tooth and Wang Kaixuan, both looking revitalized.
"Looks like you had a good rest," Cao Yi remarked, noting how they had both slept deeply through the night.
"Daoist Priest, please don't laugh at me," Wang Kaixuan replied, embarrassed as he remembered how he had dozed off right after entering the hotel.
"Alright, let's get breakfast," Cao Yi said, leading the way out. They learned from a staff member that breakfast was served on the rooftop.
The old elevator creaked as it ascended. Upon stepping out, they were greeted by a stunning rooftop garden filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, resembling a floral paradise.
"Wow, how many flowers must they use? The Burmese really know how to enjoy life," Wang Kaixuan exclaimed, awestruck.
"Over there, an empty table!" Cao Yi pointed out, leading them to a table surrounded by blooming plants.
"I'll see what's on the menu," Wang Kaixuan said eagerly, almost leaping from his chair.
Big Gold Tooth stood up, gesturing to the view below. "Look at that!"
Curious, Cao Yi joined him. The view of Yangon was breathtaking, resembling a giant garden adorned with greenery, flowers, and golden pagodas. Monks in red robes strolled barefoot through the streets, while colonial-era buildings retained their distinctive dark red roofs, evoking a sense of stepping back in time.
"Isn't that the Shwedagon Pagoda?" Big Gold Tooth asked, raising a small telescope he had somehow acquired, excitement written all over his face.
Cao Yi frowned, knowing the pagoda was a national treasure and a revered Buddhist site. "Keep it down; we don't want to attract unnecessary attention," he cautioned.
"Breakfast is here!" Wang Kaixuan announced, returning with a server bearing a large platter.
Cao Yi looked at the spread: sticky fried rice topped with boiled peas, a plate of fried fish, and three cups of green tea.
"Daoist Priest, don't look at it like that; breakfast might not look great, but it's about the taste! We Chinese can make any cuisine our own," Wang Kaixuan chuckled.
Just as Cao Yi settled down, Big Gold Tooth frowned. "Where are the chopsticks? How are we supposed to eat?"
"Didn't I mention? No chopsticks, no knives and forks. We're meant to eat with our hands," Wang Kaixuan shrugged.
Big Gold Tooth's face soured. "I can't eat like that!"
Cao Yi sighed, noticing a nearby foreigner awkwardly grabbing sticky rice with his hands.
"Remember, they served soup last night, which is why they had utensils," Wang Kaixuan said, sipping his tea.
"By the way, Daoist Priest," Wang Kaixuan continued, "I spoke to a Taiwanese gem merchant in the restroom. He said you need an invitation to attend the gem auction; otherwise, you can't even enter."
Cao Yi raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"There are three ways to obtain an invitation: through government officials, jewelry associations, or jewelry trading companies in Myanmar. Without an invitation, you need a guarantee from a trading company and a deposit of $10,000 per person," Wang Kaixuan explained in one breath.
Cao Yi pondered, tapping his fingers on the table.