Rain asked with a gentle smile, moving lightly with lotus steps, spinning around to Ethan's side

Her slender fingers brushed his cheek with teasing affection as she leaned close enough for her sweet breath to graze his ear.

"Sister Rain, Myriad Treasure Pavilion tried its best to help me out. I just want to express my gratitude." Ethan replied casually.

"You guy… there are so many good women around you—don't not cherish them." Rain's smile was bright, but the meaning beneath her words was razor-sharp.

Ethan's eyelid twitched.

This girl is sick again…

"Ahem. Cough… Let's get down to business." Asher coughed twice, stepping in like a guardian deity who specialized solely in preventing Ethan from being devoured by Rain.

"The city lord and deputy city lord of Noble Sun City are dead. The major forces will definitely start fighting for the position soon. We'll support the Myriad Treasure Pavilion and let them take over the city's affairs."

"Clear."

Everyone nodded, including Ethan.

Myriad Treasure Pavilion was an iron-blooded ally.

They had numbers, structure, and stability—the Blood Tavern did not. Blood Tavern members were militants, loners, desperadoes. If they were asked to manage a city, the whole place would collapse within half a month. Ethan didn't need a system to foresee that disaster.

"It's best we leave all governing matters to Myriad Treasure Pavilion. They have the manpower and background for it," Ethan thought.

Asher continued, tone turning cold, "In addition, after today, all of you should be cautious regarding the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and the Holy Land of the Endless Mountains. We've made enemies this time—big ones. They won't let this go."

"Understood!" Everyone bowed respectfully.

Zeon, however, raised his hand immediately—clearly not done.

"By the way, Brother Asher, didn't you agree to treat me to a drink? When will that be?"

Asher shot him a sideways glare, smiling faintly.

"Drink? You only know how to eat and drink all day. No wonder you haven't been promoted to Supreme Realm."

"…"

Zeon felt the accusation hit him like a flying boulder. He really didn't want that drink.

"Stingy Guy" Zeon spread his hands dramatically.

"Begging for a beating!"

"Brother Ethan, save me!"

Zeon dashed behind Ethan immediately, as if Ethan were some mountain-sized shield.

The entire tavern burst into laughter.

Asher shook his head and waved. "I'm too lazy to argue with you. Ethan, Zeon, Magnus—rest for seven days. After that, I'll take you three to a good place."

"A good place?" Zeon's eyes lit up with exaggerated curiosity.

"You'll know when the time comes," Asher answered mysteriously.

"Selling off…" Zeon mumbled.

Asher ignored him and sent Ethan a voice transmission.

"Don't wander. The place I'm taking you is extremely important for your cultivation."

"Good." Ethan nodded.

Then, remembering something, Ethan took out two storage rings.

"Oh yes, everyone deserves a share of these trophies. Choose anything you need."

The moment Grey's and Iris's storage rings opened, Zeon's eyes glowed like a hungry beast.

"Brother Ethan is so generous!"

He sprinted over and grabbed a random spiritual weapon like a starving man grabbing the last bun on earth.

Seeing that, the others approached as well.

They each selected only things useful to their cultivation—Mahayana Pills, spiritual herbs, essence stones.

No one dared to covet the extremely valuable treasures. In their eyes, they had already gained more than they ever expected thanks to Ethan.

Rain approached slowly, voice soft enough to tangle a man's soul.

"Good brother, I don't want anything. I just want a drink with you alone tonight. How about that?"

Althea wasn't here. Rain saw a prime opportunity—and pounced like a fox with glowing eyes.

"Cough! Cough!" Asher suddenly reappeared like a heavenly guardian sent specifically to block her flirtation attempts.

"I don't want anything. I'm not shameless enough to take something from a junior."

Then—flash!

A streak of blood light vanished. Asher left the tavern just like that.

Uga, took Solara and Ashira to sit by the window, teaching them about cultivation with the seriousness of a strict instructor.

With Asher gone, the tavern's atmosphere immediately loosened.

Ethan sighed.

"Sister Rain, you'll burn yourself if you keep playing with fire."

Rain leaned closer, smile seductive and wicked.

"Playing with fire and burning myself… I like that. I hope little brother burns me until nothing is left."

"Hiss—"

Ethan genuinely shivered this time.

This goblin's charm was too terrifying!

"Hmph! I knew you'd chicken out. Disappointing." Rain crossed her arms, pouting.

Magnus cupped his fists toward Ethan.

"Thank you, Brother Ethan, for your generosity. I am completely convinced after today. I admire you greatly."

Ethan returned the gesture humbly.

"Brother Magnus praises me too highly. I just did what I could."

Zeon suddenly pointed toward the dim corner of the tavern.

"By the way… what should we do with them?"

Four figures sat tied up—the three crippled Royal Beast Sect cultivators, and Seraphina.

Seraphina lowered her head, emotions complicated.

Being tied up by Ethan still felt safer than staying with Grey and Iris. At least she wasn't being toyed with or treated as a slave.

Without strength, I'm nothing.

My talent isn't enough. If someone powerful wants me, I can only be a plaything…

Ethan looked at the four calmly.

Alix and the Royal Beast Sect members had crippled their cultivation. Ethan kept his promise not to kill them—but there were conditions.

"You three, I promised to let you go," Ethan said, "but don't forget: five ninth-level monsters."

Alix exhaled with relief.

Losing cultivation wasn't the end; he could rebuild. Life mattered more.

But five ninth-level beasts? Even for the Royal Beast Sect, that was nearly impossible.

He scratched his head awkwardly.

"Little friend Ethan, thank you for sparing our lives… but our Royal Beast Sect doesn't have that many ninth-level spiritual beasts with rare bloodlines."

Ethan frowned slightly. He wasn't a devil—he wasn't unreasonable.

"…Forget it. Stay in the tavern for now."

He stood, hands behind his back.

"When I come back, I will go to your Royal Beast Sect to select ninth-level spiritual beasts. If I find one that I am satisfied with, I will let you go."

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

...

Thanks for the Magic Castle: @DaoistKryQyc

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.