There was no way to find a free seat at the teahouse that day. The crowd was so dense that one could barely move. Edwin had to line up for three whole days before securing a private room.
Edwin specially selected a seat by the window, where the view was spectacular. Most of Noble Sun City lay spread out before them, twinkling under the night sky.
On the table sat two pots of exquisite tea, steam rising gently from the jade cups, still warm with fresh water mist.
A maid with an excellent figure and striking appearance stood poised beside the room’s door, waiting attentively for the guests’ commands.
Edwin gazed at the night sky, unease settling in his chest.
He wondered if Ethan would truly co.
Despite Ethan no longer being part of the Dao Sect, Edwin never harbored resentnt toward him.
Besides, since his daughter had a good relationship with Ethan, Edwin felt he should look favorably upon the young man.
Of course, Edwin would not force him.
If Ethan ca, that’d be best.
If he did not, there was no fault in it.
Should Seraphina and her companions be truly unable to return to the Azure Origin Dao Sect, they would have only themselves to bla for their failure to protect their own interests.
"Coming!"
Edwin’s gaze snapped toward the path leading back to the Blood Tavern.
A cultivator’s eyes was unmistakable, especially one from the Mahayana realm.
He imdiately recognized the figure approaching.
It was Ethan, heading toward the Fragrant Zither Pavilion, no doubt keeping his promised appointnt.
Trailing behind Ethan was a stunning girl in a flowing red dress.
Her fiery long hair shimred in the moonlight.
She looked no more than thirteen or fourteen.
Edwin barely spared the girl a thought.
"Sir, why don’t you drink so tea? It’s getting cold," the maid leaned forward, her voice gentle.
"I’ll drink soon. By the way, a young man nad Ethan will arrive later. Please guide him to ," Edwin said.
He tossed two spiritual crystals onto the table.
The maid’s face lit with joy.
She bowed slightly and left briskly.
Tipping was common at the Fragrant Zither Pavilion—those who served well could expect a generous reward of spiritual stones or even precious crystals.
Ethan arrived at the teahouse, Solara bounding happily behind him.
Her large curious eyes darted around, absorbing the strange new world.
"Daddy, where are we?"
"Fragrant Zither Pavilion. A teahouse—a place to drink tea," Ethan explained.
"Drink tea!"
When it ca to food and drink, Solara’s eyes sparkled.
The father and daughter stepped through the entrance.
A maid swiftly stretched out her arms, halting their progress.
"Sir, the teahouse is currently full. Do you have a reservation?"
Ethan opened his mouth to answer, but another voice interrupted.
"I’m sorry, this is a private room guest," a maid in a pink cheongsam said firmly.
"Your na is Ethan?" she asked.
"Um," Ethan replied evenly.
"Is the person you’re eting nad Edwin?"
"Yes," Ethan nodded.
After verifying Ethan’s identity, the maid led them to a window seat on the fifth floor.
"Mr. Ethan, Miss Solara, please co inside," she said, waving invitingly.
Ethan pulled back the heavy door curtains.
Inside, Edwin sat alone.
True to his word, he was the only one present to et.
"Ethan..." Edwin was briefly rendered speechless.
He wasn’t sure how to address Ethan now.
Ever since Ethan had left Azure Origin Dao Sect, Edwin felt the young man had beco a stranger.
"Mr. Ethan, please sit," Edwin said after a mont.
"Uncle Edwin, don’t be so formal, just call Ethan," Ethan replied as he took a seat.
"Who is this?" Edwin asked, eyeing Solara.
He glanced at the red-haired girl and jumped in surprise at the fierce aura radiating from her.
She was a powerful Mahayana cultivator!
More than that, her strength far exceeded his own.
She was no re novice, but likely at least a third or fifth turn.
"This is my dad," Solara answered, swaying her legs and sipping tea, clearly enjoying herself.
"Ah!?" Edwin was briefly startled.
But he quickly composed himself.
Ethan was no longer young.
It was only natural to have a Dao companion and a child.
Yet was this child’s age and power not shocking? To be thirteen or fourteen and yet command a Mahayana aura!?
Ethan smiled knowingly but said nothing.
Edwin didn’t press further.
He just smiled and said kindly, "Please drink more."
"Thank you, uncle," Solara replied with a sweet, innocent smile that seed at odds with her powerful aura.
"You’re welco," Edwin waved graciously.
Solara’s thanks troubled him unexpectedly.
The concept of strength and respect was deeply ingrained in his mind.
To see such strength expressed with childlike innocence stirred a strange, surreal feeling within him.
"Uncle Edwin, why did you seek out?" Ethan finally asked, breaking the mont.
He drew Edwin’s thoughts away from Solara.
Edwin’s expression grew solemn.
He raised a hand, erecting a ntal barrier isolating their room from the outside world.
Seeing that, Ethan’s own ntal energy surged, reinforcing the protective isolation with another layer.
"To be frank," Edwin began, "our mission to Noble Sun City had two objectives.
One—to participate in the treasure appraisal conference.
Two—to find you.
Your departure from the sect caused discontent.
The saint instructed the sect master to dispatch us with orders to locate you on route to Noble Sun City and bring you ho."
Edwin paused, carefully choosing his words.
Since he sought sothing from Ethan, he believed honesty was necessary.
"It’s Seraphina and Lyralei again—foolish master and disciple—buzzing around like flies," Ethan sneered coldly.
"Lyralei and Seraphina eagerly pushed for my exile. They seek out only because of the sect’s inheritance. Right?" Ethan asked pointedly.
"You are clever. I cannot conceal anything from you now," Edwin sighed.
"I hold the sect’s inheritance because I have the ability."
"If anyone wishes to claim it, they must find first."
"Moreover, I have left so of the inheritance in the Demon Sealing Cave."
"My master and the elders of the Demon Sealing Cave treat well. Had it not been for my master’s wishes, I would have slain more than just Adyr before leaving."
"I owe nothing to the sect. If Uncle Edwin attempts to persuade to return, our conversation ends there."
Ethan said with a calm tone and firm eyes.
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
...
Thanks for the Massage Chair: @Sheng_i
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