Ethan's gaze followed the direction where the crowd's murmurs and pointed fingers converged.

Far on the horizon, a luxurious carriage came into view, pulled swiftly by a colossal beast—a golden three-headed lion, a majestic and terrifying seventh-level monster. Its presence was unmistakably a symbol of power and prestige, a sovereign show of strength from a major force.

Whispers ricocheted through the crowd like wildfire.

"The three golden lions… Look closely at the mark on the carriage window—that's the emblem of the Vernal Dawn royal family!" a passerby said, awe threading his voice.

"The Vernal Dawn royal family? So far away, yet they've sent representation," another pondered. "But who have they sent? I can't tell from this distance."

Ethan's brows knit tightly as he scrutinized the approaching carriage.

Suddenly, the curtains fluttered open, revealing the face of none other than the Sixth Prince Bram—the very same prince who had once suffered a crushing defeat at Ethan's hands.

"Bram," Ethan murmured under his breath, a flicker of cold recognition sparking in his eyes.

A sly sneer crept across his lips. "Enemies meet on narrow roads, as fate would have it."

Drawing his bamboo hat down, his face disappeared beneath shadow as he swiftly diverted his path toward the nearest inn.

Meanwhile, Bram's carriage slowed as it neared the city grounds. Bram's narrowed eyes caught sight of the figure—the one in the bamboo hat entering an inn.

"That silhouette… Looks unsettlingly familiar," Bram frowned.

"Your Highness, what troubles you?" an attendant asked.

"Nothing of consequence, just a weak Nascent Soul cultivator who left me with an uncanny impression… Almost like that wretched Ethan," Bram muttered through gritted teeth.

Nearby, Mr. Willow's face tightened. "This is the time of the Treasure Appraisal Conference. The city is rife with all manner of beasts and dragons—forces both casual and clandestine. Many conceal their true strength."

"If Your Highness is uncertain, better to verify personally," he advised solemnly.

Bram nodded grimly. "There is little choice. If it truly is Ethan, then his life hangs by a thread. This is no place for mercy. I will sever his limbs and crush his spirit." His eyes burned with cold fury.

Inside, Ethan entered the crowded inn, but found no space—every room was occupied, buried beneath the weight of the countless visitors.

Noble Sun City was vast, bustling, yet finding accommodation became a challenge. Ethan, however, was unhurried, knowing well that in such sprawling cities, a place could always be found.

An hour of searching yielded only disappointment—five inns, all bursting at their seams.

More than once, Ethan muttered, "So many people…"

As he stepped out, his gaze caught on a sign boldly emblazoned with Two fiery red characters: "Blood Tavern."

The Blood Tavern was a major force within Noble Sun City, a force that, alongside Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and Myriad Treasures Pavilion, controlled the teleportation formations and the city.

"A tavern that rivals the power of pavilions such as Heavenly Secrets and Myriad Treasures?" Ethan mused.

"What could be inside?"

Driven by curiosity, he stepped into the Blood Tavern.

Inside, the atmosphere shifted—the tavern was elegant, meticulous in its design. Despite its acclaim, there were remarkably few patrons; only six tables adorned the lobby, four of them occupied.

By a window sat a solitary man, his posture kingly and imbued with lethal calm. A heavy, imposing sword hung from his waist. He lifted a teacup, savoring the tea with deliberate care.

Ethan's heart tightened. An eighth-turn Mahayana cultivator.

A surge of caution surged within.

The tavern was silent except for the soft clink of teacups.

Ethan's gaze hardened but softened with tempered relief; fewer people meant a better chance at lodging.

He approached the counter.

Behind it stood a stunning woman in a crimson dress. Her silhouette was a masterpiece of curves, every line accentuated—the epitome of allure.

Her face was flawless, lips a fiery red, expression unreadable yet laced with subtle amusement as she glanced briefly at Ethan, tilting the corners of her mouth in a knowing smile.

So this is the blood tavern's proprietor, Ethan thought, scanning her aura. She bore the strength of the sixth turn of the Mahayana realm—a true powerhouse.

His Heaven-piercing Mind Eye flashed briefly before shutting, cautious not to reveal too much.

What concerned Ethan more was the man with the sword—the eighth-turn warrior seated so composedly.

"Shopkeeper," Ethan said plainly, "I require a room."

Silence.

The woman lowered her gaze, her eyes fixating on the account book before her, ignoring him.

Ethan's brows knit in puzzlement.

Is she mute? Or does she simply disdain unwelcome guests?

Yet, as Ethan sought reassurance, the tavern's occupants cast furtive glances—eyes sharp, sultry, and tinged with disdain.

Many quietly snorted and shook their heads, their expressions etched with unspoken derision.

Why is this blood tavern so strange? Ethan pondered silently. Are all these people mute?

Breaking his unnerved silence, Ethan tried again, "Shopkeeper, do you hear me?"

Still nothing.

Then, a voice emerged from an elderly man nearby—the one closest to Ethan.

He set down his teacup with deliberate care and spoke, "Young man, is this your first visit to Noble Sun City?"

Ethan nodded cautiously.

"Are you here for the Treasure Appraisal Conference?" the old man pressed.

Ethan's frown deepened.

Why does this elder question me so persistently? he wondered.

"If you don't speak your purpose," the old man continued sharply, "then I will assume your silence means consent."

"The city is teeming with cultivators now—many here for the conference." The man's voice dipped low.

"I know this, even if you don't speak it."

Ethan's gaze sharpened with renewed curiosity. "What then?" he asked.

The old man's eyes gleamed with unwelcome honesty. "Boy, this is the Blood Tavern—not a place meant for cultivators like you in the Nascent Soul realm."

"Nevertheless," he said, voice edged with warning, "I can tell you this much because it's your first time here…"

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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