"Oh, you are really impatient. This is the invitation letter from the Blood Tavern. It's meant for you," Rain said, holding a red envelope bordered with shimmering gold between her delicate fingers.

This was no ordinary letter—this was the coveted invitation that countless powerful cultivators dreamed of. Possessing it meant belonging, access to protection and prestige, and many untold benefits.

To join the Blood Tavern was to be wrapped in the shelter of a shadowy yet mighty institution, a force as mysterious and respected as the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

"Thank you very much," Ethan said, extending his hand to receive the invitation. Though Rain had played the role of a tempting vixen, at least she had exercised sound judgment in granting him this honor. It was a sign of cautious respect rather than reckless bravery.

But then Rain's hand twitched sideways, her eyes flashing with mischief—as if seeking a silent revenge for Ethan's earlier grip that had reddened her wrist.

"What do you mean, Shopkeeper Rain?" Ethan asked, wary.

"If you accept an invitation to the Blood Tavern, you become a member of our order. You must think carefully," Rain said softly.

Ethan's brow creased.

The word that troubled him above all else was "obligation." Trouble and constraints were the bane of wandering cultivators.

"But," Rain continued with a smile, "our Blood Tavern is quite free. We impose no restrictions on you, and won't compel you to do anything."

"If you decide to join other forces, you are free to do so. The Blood Tavern will not interfere."

"Our taverns span the Oceanreach continent. The original intent is simple—to gather heroes from all corners."

"With this invitation, you may stay free in any Blood Tavern throughout the continent, and you will always be protected. Should you ever need aid, simply seek the nearest tavern."

"We also issue bounty missions from time to time. Those capable may accept these challenges, completing which brings generous rewards," she explained.

Ethan stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Spread across Oceanreach, Blood Tavern was clearly a formidable power, much like the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Joining it entailed no binding chains; personal freedom remained intact.

He nodded and took the invitation eagerly.

"Good," Rain said, her tone shifting—no longer coy, but precise and businesslike.

"From now on, we are under the same roof. Please take care of me."

Ethan stretched out his palm, matching the gesture with a smile.

"Our Blood Tavern has ties with Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Members gain a 10% discount on all trade within Myriad Treasures Pavilion," Rain added, handing him a gleaming token.

"This token is a symbol of status."

"Don't underestimate being a member of the Blood Tavern. Most can't acquire this. Show it, and none dare provoke you," she said with pride.

Ethan gathered all the tokens, their weight a quiet reminder of the power now linked to him.

All eyes in the tavern were fixed on him, dumbstruck.

The gray-bearded elder spoke with solemnity, "Shopkeeper, is this not against the rules? We have strained endlessly to gain entry to the Blood Tavern."

"How did this child bypass all that and receive an invitation so readily?"

"Indeed. Even the assessment steps seem to have been skipped."

"Shopkeeper, you don't truly favor this kid, do you? A back door for him?" someone queried sharply.

Invitations to the Blood Tavern were exceedingly rare.

The lowest known recipients held strength above the fifth turn of Mahayana, with impeccable reputations.

Notable among them was the quiet brooding figure carrying a great sword—the peak eighth-turn Mahayana cultivator, on the verge of breaking into ninth turn!

Ethan had noticed this man upon entering, but the swordsman remained silent and distant, uninterested in the mundane chatter.

"Young prodigies with promise below fifth turn do exist in the Blood Tavern, but they are rare monsters—exceptional even among elites."

Those without proactive invitations must undergo a rigorous assessment to earn entry.

This trial involved completing three near-impossible bounty missions.

Only the most gifted or driven could hope to pass.

Amongst the patrons, except the great swordsman, all had earned their place via arduous challenges.

Yet now there stood Ethan—a young man ranked barely tenth on the Heaven's prodigy list—presented with a direct invitation.

If the elite top three received invitations as a matter of course, lesser-ranked prodigies rarely crossed such favor.

This rank disparity brewed a quiet discomfort—a simmering feeling of being overlooked or slighted.

"Everyone," Rain said with a light tone, "the Blood Tavern dispenses invitations as it sees fit. There is no rationale to question it."

She realized it just after the brief confrontation with Ethan: he was nothing one would find in a pond.

His real combat power and talent are stronger than the rumors say.

Rumor has it that Ethan is pure physical cultivator.

When he left the Azure Origin Dao Sect, his realm was suspected to be the Dharma body realm.

Now that he has not advanced to Nirvana, he can suppress her.

It can be seen how terrifying his combat power is.

If he advances to the Nirvana realm, his combat power would be even more unimaginable.

I am afraid that he will be able to fight against the peak Eighth turn Mahayana powerhouse like the guy sitting over there, the Crazy Sword guy.

"There is no need for disputes," the Crazy Sword Guy man spoke softly, setting down his teacup.

"If you refuse the way he got the invitation, you may duel him. Our codes state that peers may challenge one another. When both consent, a duel may commence."

"Well then, allow me to test this youth's skills to decide if he truly merits entry!" the gray-bearded elder roared.

"My name is Roan," he said, drawing a short knife. "Five years since joining Blood Tavern, I am now a sixth-turn Mahayana cultivator."

"If you survive all ten of my moves, you will prove yourself capable."

Ethan's expression shifted.

If he wished for peace tonight, he must reveal some true prowess.

A subtle smile curved his lips.

"Old man, I may break your bones soon—but don't say I am bullying an elder."

"Ha ha ha, words I welcome." Roan laughed heartily.

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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Thanks for the Massage Chair: @Skarlet_Retro

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.