Heaven Dou Imperial City was a forest of shops, with a dazzling array of goods on display. There were stores dedicated to Spirit Tools, weapons, and armor, as well as those selling daily necessities, food, and medicinal herbs. Furthermore, there were specialized establishments catering exclusively to Soul Masters.
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, the city was densely populated with a diverse mix of people: merchants, Soul Masters, and common folk from every corner of the continent. Right in the heart of this bustling metropolis stood an elegant and ancient-looking building. Above its main entrance hung a prominent plaque.
"Juxiang Pavilion?"
Stepping off the carriage, Wu Ling looked at the grand, archaic plaque with curiosity. "Grandmaster, are we eating here? It looks really high-end!"
(òωó)
Hearing the little girl's words, Fu Ye simply smiled without a word and led the way inside. Xiao Wu and Wu Ling followed closely behind.
"Xiao Zhang, three more pots of fine wine!" "Hahaha! I told you, the food here is unparalleled!" "Eat your fill today, it's on me!"
Inside Juxiang Pavilion, the atmosphere was lively and the tables were packed. The sounds of laughter and cheerful conversation intertwined, filling the entire space. Servers moved busily through the crowd, carrying exquisite dishes to various tables. The guests enjoyed their meals while chatting happily—the vibrant energy of the restaurant was palpable.
"Welcome, guests. How many in your party?"
A middle-aged man in a black manager's uniform approached them. At first glance, Fu Ye recognized him immediately.
"Xiao Li, I've only been gone for a dozen years or so. Do you really not recognize me?" Fu Ye smiled.
Xiao Li froze for a moment, then took a closer look at Fu Ye. "Holy crap! Boss! It's really you!"
"Sister Lan! Quick, spread the word! The Boss is back!" Xiao Li—or rather, Old Li—shouted toward a woman nearby, Xiao Lan.
When Xiao Lan saw Fu Ye, whose appearance hadn't aged a day in over a decade, she joined in the excitement. "Xiao Lan! Xiao Cui! Pass it down! THE BOSS IS BACK!!!!"
o(≧口≦)o
("▔□▔)
Is it really necessary to be this excited just because a boss who's been missing for years returned? Fu Ye didn't quite get it, but he was certainly impressed by the reception.
However, at that moment, inside the "Heaven Number One" private booth, a white-haired man with a youthful complexion suddenly bolted upright. The refined middle-aged man drinking across from him was startled by the sudden movement.
"Uncle Chen, you..."
"He's back!" Without waiting for a response, the white-haired elder vanished from the booth in a blur of motion.
"Hmm? Who's back? That Old Sword Man is getting up there in age, yet he's still less composed than I am," muttered a black-haired man sitting nearby, his eyes full of dissatisfaction.
"Daddy, where is Grandpa Sword going? Why did he leave so suddenly?" A young girl in a cyan princess dress, as delicate as carved jade, poked her head out from the side.
"Rongrong, your Grandpa Sword just has..."
"Uncle Bone, get ready. The only person who could make Uncle Chen react like that is probably that guy."
"Huh? Which guy?"
"The one who literally pulled you out of a spatial rift with his bare hands back then."
"Wait... what? HIM?! That freak is back?!"
Σ(￣д￣;)
(T/N: If you enjoy the story, please leave a comment and a positive review, thank you!)
After chatting with Old Li for a while, Fu Ye prepared to find a seat for Xiao Wu and Wu Ling. But before he could take a step, he sensed a very familiar aura.
"Brother Fu Ye."
A white-haired elder with a youthful face appeared behind Fu Ye and gave a deep, respectful bow. Fu Ye turned around with a smirk. Chen Xin truly lived up to his reputation; he had already become a Level 98 Hyper Douluo!
"Brother Chen Xin, what are you doing? I told you we're brothers. If you keep acting like a stranger, don't blame me if my fists show no mercy." Fu Ye patted him on the shoulder.
The Sword Douluo's mouth twitched slightly as he was patted. Damn, that actually hurts...
"You haven't eaten yet, right? Xiao Li, take these ingredients and have them prepared. Today, I'm going to have a good drink with Juxiang Pavilion's greatest bodyguard."
Fu Ye handed Old Li a large bag of ingredients—all thousand-year-level spiritual items and rare delicacies.
"Understood! I'll get them working on this right away!" Xiao Li hurried toward the kitchen.
"Shall we find a place to drink?" Fu Ye asked. Chen Xin hesitated for a moment before explaining the situation inside the booth.
"Oh? That old fox Ning Fengzhi is here too? Perfect, I'll get him drunk again!" Fu Ye waved to Xiao Lan. "Xiao Lan! Tell Xiao Li to send the food to the Heaven Number One booth!"
"Yes, Boss!" Xiao Lan bowed.
Fu Ye, accompanied by the Sword Douluo, Xiao Wu, and little Wu Ling, headed toward the high-level private suites. Of course, the very top floor remained Fu Ye's private quarters.
"Master, who is that white-haired uncle?" "I don't know either. He must be an old friend of Brother Fu Ye."
Xiao Wu and her disciple whispered behind him while Chen Xin led the way up the grand marble staircase. The railings were crafted from dark iron with intricate carvings, and warm stone lanterns lined the path, casting a mysterious glow over the stairs.
Finally, they reached the door of the "Heaven Number One" suite.
Creak.
Chen Xin pushed the door open. Inside were the Bone Douluo Gu Rong, the "Old Fox" Ning Fengzhi, and... Ning Rongrong?
Fu Ye blinked in surprise at seeing Ning Rongrong, but after a quick mental calculation, it made sense.
"Yo, Old Fox! It's been years. Your daughter has grown so much?"
Ning Fengzhi, who had spent the last few minutes carefully preparing a series of heartfelt greetings, felt the words get stuck in his throat. Seriously, are you an idiot?
"I'm doing fine," Ning Fengzhi replied dryly. "And clearly, you are too—you even have a child now."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes fell upon Xiao Wu and the little girl behind her, who bore a striking resemblance to her "Master."