He gritted his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he clenched his fists resolutely.

"Manager Lana, we came to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion solely to seek treasures," Willow said with a tight smile, cupping his hands in a submissive gesture of respect.

"We have no intention of causing disputes or offending your pavilion. I humbly ask for a warm welcome."

Lana snorted coldly, the frost in her voice carrying an unforgiving edge. "Hmph. This is not the Vernal Dawn Dynasty. You would do well to keep your wits about you here."

Her imposing pressure flickered away as she eased her aura.

At the same time, the crushing aura that pinned Gilbert down also dissipated.

Suddenly, a voice cold and dull as a blade's edge cut through the tense atmosphere. "This is the last warning. If there's a next time, I will kill you."

Gilbert's eyes turned sullen, the words lodging like a thorn deep in his back.

He cast a dark glare at Ethan, humiliated and vexed. Here he was, a Nine-turn Mahayana Realm powerhouse, bested and deflated by a Dharma Body Realm cultivator.

To him it felt like he had swallowed a bitter mouthful of fly excrement, souring his pride beyond repair.

"Myriad Treasures Pavilion claims neutrality. We have disputes with Ethan, yes. But why do you single me out and suppress me with such partiality? Could it be you have secret dealings with the Blood Tavern?" Gilbert taunted, his lips curling into a malicious grin.

"If word of this spreads, it would damage the reputation of your Myriad Treasures Pavilion, wouldn't it?" His words dripped with scorn.

Lana's eyes flashed dangerously. "Haha, don't think I don't know you were the first to attack Ethan."

"The rules of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion are clear: fighting is forbidden. Any violators lose their Myriad Order and are expelled without mercy."

"And as for our relationship with the Blood Tavern? That's none of your concern."

"If you weren't of the Vernal Dawn royal family, I would have sent you packing long ago!" Lana's voice cut sharp and decisive.

"Know your place, and don't be so shameless," she declared, each word laden with the unshakable confidence granted by her strength and background.

Here, in her domain, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion was law itself.

Even a tiger must walk cautiously within her borders.

Gilbert's expression hardened but he swallowed his pride. Who would dare challenge the Myriad Treasures Pavilion openly? None dared.

"Very well," he said icily, "the Vernal Dawn royal family will remember this."

Turning sharply, he stalked away.

Willow and Bram followed, shoulders tense with unresolved fury.

Bram's fists clenched tight, eyes blazing with hatred as he fixed a murderous glare on Ethan. "Ethan, don't think that because the Blood Tavern supports you, you're untouchable."

"You'll regret this," Bram vowed through gritted teeth.

Ethan's lips curled into a faint smile. "I look forward to meeting the Sixth Prince again."

The faint smile unsettled Bram more than anything. "Smile all you want. Just wait."

His gaze turned deadly as he fixed Lana with a venomous glare.

Lana felt the heat of his stare, cold resolve stiffening her spine.

Inwardly, Bram swore, Lana, you'll be begging for mercy beneath me before long!

After Bram left, Ethan bowed respectfully to Lana.

"Thank you, Manager Lana."

"No need." Lana waved him off with a confident smile.

"Myriad Treasures Pavilion holds close ties with the Blood Tavern. Without that connection, would I have given you a discount as a member?"

Curiosity sparked in Ethan's eyes. "Your relationship with the Blood Tavern sounds deep. What exactly is it?"

Lana shrugged lightly. "In time, you'll realize the full depth of it."

She chose to say no more, and Ethan politely refrained from pressing further.

"This jade token is your Myriad Order. If you need anything, just ask." Lana handed him a shining jade piece.

"Thank you. I'll look around the pavilion and let you know if I require assistance," Ethan replied.

Lana nodded. "Enjoy your stroll," then turned and vanished.

Meanwhile, far away in Noble Sun City Square...

Bram, Willow, and Gilbert emerged from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, their faces grim and glowering.

"Your Highness, Senior Gilbert," Willow cautioned, "we must be patient with Ethan. If he dares offend the Vernal Dawn royal family, he will find no peace."

"But he's a member of the Blood Tavern now. Cultivator fights in Noble Sun City are prohibited. Ethan won't accept an open duel."

"We can't act outright here in Noble Sun City," Willow warned.

"However, after the treasure appraisal conference, he will leave. That will be our opportunity."

Gilbert exhaled slowly, taming his restless spirit.

"Then we wait until the conference ends. After that, Ethan will die!" Bram declared with lethal certainty.

Suddenly, Willow's hand shot up, shaking Bram sharply to regain his focus.

A group approached them, and their presence was unmistakable.

The woman leading the entourage was the very furnace of Bram's dreams.

"Seraphina!" His voice caught in awe.

Bram stood frozen a moment before elation spread over his face.

Seraphina and her party instantly recognized Bram.

"Bram!" Seraphina's delicate eyes widened with surprise but also trembled with fear.

The overwhelming strength radiating from the two men beside Bram chilled her to the core.

A creeping dread spread to the soles of her feet.

Bram, catching the unexpected meeting, smiled slyly.

"Hehe, Seraphina, I caught you," he said, flashing white teeth in a grin so bright it seemed to light the square.

But his radiant smile only deepened Seraphina's dread and disgust.

She instinctively stepped backward, her right arm hanging limply at her side, weakened and vulnerable.

"Miss Seraphina, it's been many years since we last met," Bram said mockingly, arms folded. "Seems your strength hasn't improved much."

Bram's eyes locked on her injured arm. "What's this? Broken bones and chaotic spiritual energy? Just reattached? Pathetic."

His voice dripped with pity as he shook his head sorrowfully, though the venom was clear.

Seraphina gave a small nod to Edwin and her companions.

They returned the solemn gesture and quietly turned away, walking in the opposite direction.

Bram cast a glance at Willow and Gilbert.

"Mr. Gilbert, this is the saintess of the Azure Origin Dao Sect, owner of the Ice Spirit Soul Body, and the cauldron for the Soul Devouring Art that I practice."

"I ask a favor of you, Mr. Gilbert."

"She may be only mid-stage Tribulation Transcendence Realm, but with the Ice Spirit Soul Body, her spiritual body is of great benefit to your cultivation."

Gilbert's eyes swept over Seraphina appreciatively.

"A stunning beauty as always. You have quite the eye."

"Natural," Bram replied smoothly.

"If you are interested, I can let you have a taste when you capture her."

"No need. You keep your prize. I have no interest," Gilbert laughed.

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 Inspiration Capsule: @orlando_whaanga

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.