The three men completely believed Evan Chu’s words. Hidden sects often send outstanding disciples out into the world to gain experience—this youth was very likely one of those.
Their attitude toward Evan Chu changed dramatically. “Is what you said true, young master? Are you really willing to spend Starstones so we can watch the tournament?” one of the middle-aged men asked.
“As long as you behave, a few Starstones mean nothing. I wouldn’t even care about Star Crystals. But I do have a question—who exactly brews the Celestial Nectar Jadewine served here?” Evan Chu asked.
“Celestial Nectar Jadewine is indeed precious, but plenty of people can afford it. In fact, this is the only tavern in Breezewine City that has it, and the tavern itself only appeared in the last few years. They say the wine is personally brewed by the owner.
But the tavern owner rarely shows up here, and it’s not easy to meet him. Young master, are you planning to see the owner yourself?” another middle-aged man asked.
“What are your names? You three don’t seem like bad people. Maybe I can arrange a job for you, but everything will have to wait until after the tournament,” Evan Chu said.
“We’re cousins, all with the surname Zhou. I’m Derek Zhou, my third brother is Tyler Zhou, and the other is Logan Zhou. We’re all named after animals—country folks aren’t very cultured, so please don’t laugh at us, young master,” Derek Zhou said.
“Good. I’m genuinely curious about the tavern owner. Derek, go get the waiter—I want to ask him a few things, and have him bring some fine food and wine. Tonight, the four of us will drink together,” Evan Chu said with a smile.
Derek Zhou was thrilled to hear this and immediately went to fetch the waiter. Getting to dine with a top Eighth-Layer Saint Martial powerhouse was a once-in-a-lifetime blessing—he was overjoyed.
Soon, he returned with the waiter. The waiter saw Evan Chu was the one asking and, though he’d looked a bit sullen before, instantly forced a smile when he realized it was the generous customer who’d tipped him.
“What can I help you with, sir?” the waiter asked directly.
“Is your tavern owner here? I’ve heard Celestial Nectar Jadewine is his masterpiece, and I’d really like to meet him,” Evan Chu said with a smile.
“I’m not sure, sir. I’m just a servant, so I don’t know the boss’s whereabouts. If you really want to know, you could ask the manager—maybe he knows. Do you need anything else? If not, I’ll go prepare the food and drinks,” the waiter replied.
Evan Chu waved him away, then stood up and walked over to the tavern’s counter.
The manager was a white-haired old man whose cultivation had reached about Sixth-Layer Venerable Martial Realm—a hidden master by Breezewine City standards.
When Evan Chu approached, the old man paused his calculations and said, “Are you here to settle your bill, young master? If so, you can just ask the waiter. If you’re looking for a room, I can register you.”
“I’d like to meet your tavern owner. Is he at the tavern today?” Evan Chu asked bluntly.
Only then did the manager look Evan Chu over carefully. The youth was dignified and striking, but showed no sign of a powerful aura—people like that are truly terrifying.
Either he was a frail scholar, or an absolute powerhouse whose strength was unfathomable. The manager immediately judged Evan Chu as the latter—anyone whose cultivation he couldn’t gauge was certainly no weakling.
“You want to meet our boss? He’s out at the moment, but should be back this evening. I can let him know you’re looking for him—what do you think, young master?” the manager said.
“Perfect. Book me four top-grade rooms. I’ll be staying in my room here, so just have someone notify me when he returns. Here’s the payment!” Evan Chu said.
He took out several supreme-grade Starstones from his storage ring, ignored the manager’s reaction, and turned to go back to his seat to drink.
“How did it go, young master? Is the tavern owner here?” Derek Zhou asked.
“He’s not here right now, but should be back this evening. I’ve already booked rooms for you all. After tonight, we’ll go to Frostbane Sect tomorrow and watch the tournament. Once we’ve eaten and drunk our fill, let’s head to our rooms,” Evan Chu said.
“Thank you, young master! If you ever need anything, my brothers and I will go through fire and water for you!” Derek Zhou said respectfully. He couldn’t believe their luck today—it was like they’d burned incense to the ancestors.
After drinking a while longer, Evan Chu and the three brothers went to their rooms. He hadn’t expected to run into a tournament right after descending to the lower realm—now he was eager to see how his two children were doing, and whether the women he’d left behind had turned into old ladies. Time waits for no one, after all.
No matter how they’d changed, they were still his women—he would never abandon them. As the saying goes, you don’t cast off the wife who shared your hardships, and he wasn’t the type to love and leave.
Sitting on the bed, Evan Chu closed his eyes to rest. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. “Sir, our boss is back—he’s in the main hall now. If you want to meet him, now’s the time. He’s a busy man and could leave at any moment,” the waiter said.
“Got it! I’ll be right down!” Evan Chu replied.
He opened the door and saw it was already night. He hadn’t realized how long he’d been meditating. He headed to the main hall, where a young man a few years older than himself was talking to the manager.
From a distance, Evan Chu glanced at the young man and was startled—the youth had reached Seventh-Layer Venerable Martial Realm, a level almost unheard of in Breezewine City.
This person was definitely not simple—that was Evan Chu’s first thought. He walked over slowly, and the manager said to the young man, “Boss, the person looking for you is here.”
The tavern owner turned around slowly, glanced at Evan Chu, and was so shocked he rubbed his eyes, thinking he must be seeing things. When he looked closer, he nearly stumbled and fell, his face a mix of terror and joy.
Evan Chu was delighted too—he hadn’t expected to meet this person here. The manager, seeing their expressions, was even more confused, having no idea what was going on...
(Author’s note: I’m out of things to say about monthly votes. Wuwu...)