noodles with sliced mushrooms, green vegetables, and a broth that smelled of ginger and roasted bones. Qiao Zhi ate slowly, listening to the conversations around her. Merchants discussed the upcoming gathering. A pair of young disciples argued about which sect had the strongest sword manual. Someone at the next table claimed that Gu Yangjin could cut a candle flame without disturbing the wick. Another person said that story was probably exaggerated, then lowered his voice to admit that he had seen her demonstration himself and had no better explanation.
