"The Blood Tavern is not open to everyone. Unless you have an invitation from the Blood Tavern, you are not qualified to enter," the old man with a gray beard said with a faint smile, his voice calm but edged with warning.

Ethan frowned in surprise. This was something he hadn't expected at all.

An exclusive tavern, open only by invitation—this was no ordinary inn. This place was a stronghold, a lair where power determined privilege.

"So, now you're breaking into the Blood Tavern without permission," the old man continued, his smile sharp as a blade.

"According to the rule, those who break in will lose their hands and feet."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "This blood tavern really has such brutal rules?"

He hadn't anticipated such severe measures. But it was fitting—a den of elites demanded elite standards.

"Then, how do I qualify to stay in this tavern?" Ethan asked deliberately.

With the Treasure Appraisal Conference approaching, the city was overflowing with cultivators. Inns beyond the city were packed, as were those inside it. Seeking accommodation without connections was folly.

As soon as Ethan posed the question, the tavern seemed to freeze.

The old man with gray beard blinked, stunned.

Conversations ceased. Every movement halted.

Even the beautiful woman behind the counter—Shopkeeper Rain—lifted her gaze, her eyes fixed quietly on Ethan, brimming with astonishment.

It was as if Ethan's words had shattered the fragile peace of this tavern.

The strange stillness lasted not more than half a minute.

Then the old man laughed, a deep, hearty sound breaking the tension.

"Boy, I must have not heard you right. You want an invitation to the Blood Tavern?"

He eyed Ethan carefully. "Do you want me to repeat it?"

Suddenly, a middle-aged man sitting nearby spat out his tea with a choked laugh. Wiping his mouth, he smiled cruelly.

"Boy, ignorance is no crime. But you better leave now, before the shopkeeper's patience runs thin."

"A Nascent Soul realm rag, wanting an invitation to the Blood Tavern?"

He shook his head, chuckling bitterly. "You may want to sleep with more than just your head on your pillow if you dream of that."

Laughter burst from the assembled cultivators.

Ethan observed silently. These were all Mahayana realm cultivators—masters cloaked in power and disdain.

He did not retort insultingly. Instead, he flicked on his Heaven-piercing Mind Eye, scanning carefully.

Could it be that the Blood Tavern only admits those who have entered the Mahayana realm? he wondered.

Turning towards the shopkeeper, he removed his bamboo hat—the sharp angles of his handsome face and piercing starry eyes now unveiled.

"It's getting late. I want to rest early. Please, tell me what you require. Let us not waste each other's time," Ethan said calmly.

The woman behind the counter smiled devilishly, voice like a caress that sent shivers down one's spine.

"If you had taken off your hat earlier, perhaps you'd be in my bed right now," she teased.

She reached out, slender fingers lifting Ethan's chin, inspecting him deeply. Every subtle movement radiated seductive charm, capable of ensnaring the unsuspecting.

But Ethan's will was like steel, unyielding.

Swiftly, he seized her wrist in a firm grip.

"Shopkeeper, respect yourself. I'm not interested," he said coldly.

"I only seek lodging—nothing more."

The woman's eyes widened in shock at the grip, despite her strength as a sixth-turn Mahayana cultivator. Ethan's strength was immense, a ferocious beast coiled in his palm.

Though she struggled slightly, her movements were restrained by his overwhelming power.

"Brother, can you release Sister's hand?" a voice teased from the crowd.

"Or do you fancy her wrists and can't help yourself?" the woman mocked, playfully touching Ethan's chest with her other hand, evoking an itch of coquettishness.

Ethan tried to grab that restless hand but failed—she was wary, on guard.

The woman stood firm in her Mahayana realm power, and Ethan, unfazed, smiled softly and released her wrist.

"Oh, you hurt me," she said, rubbing the redness tenderly.

"You care so little about me—no Dao companion, I presume?"

This was her first encounter with a man so fiercely strong, yet only in the Nascent Soul realm. Clearly, Ethan harbored secret methods masking his true aura.

"What is your name? Where do you hail from?" she asked, her voice now curious.

"Ethan, a wandering cultivator with no fixed home," he replied simply.

"Ethan of the Azure Origin Dao Sect?" Her voice dropped slightly, probing.

At the mention of the sect, other tavern patrons stirred, their expressions shifting subtly.

They all knew of the Azure Origin Dao Sect and had heard the name Ethan.

After all, Ethan was a recognized name on the Heaven's prodigy list in the Skyreach Region. He had defeated the Sixth Prince of Vernal Dawn in a single battle, ascending to fame overnight.

But their surprise was brief.

Though talented, Ethan had not yet entered the Mahayana realm, and some regarded him as a mere youth in the grand scheme.

The unflattering saying echoed in Ethan's mind—without entering Mahayana, a cultivator was destined to remain as insignificant as an ant.

"Talent alone is not enough for the Blood Tavern. Strength and background count more," the woman explained as she studied Ethan, eyes sharp.

Ethan considered this silently—his talent strong, his background barely adequate, but his current realm weak.

"Azure Origin Dao Sect..." he murmured contemplatively.

The woman smiled faintly. "I've heard there's some history between you and the sect. Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets says you left."

"It seems to be true," the woman continued quietly.

"Blood Tavern cares not for that," the woman said, waving off the gossip casually.

She then inclined her head in introduction.

"I am Rain, Blood Tavern's reporter for the Skyreach Territory. Call me Sister Rain if you like."

Ethan shook his head.

"No need—I'll call you Shopkeeper Rain."

Rain's cheeks tinted slightly as she replied in a teasing tone, "A cold stone you are."

She poured tea gently. "Now, let's get down to business."

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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