The middle-aged man and Min'er had originally wanted to stop Evan Chu and Silver Dragon from heading out, but considering the overwhelming strength of the two, they figured even if danger arose, they'd be able to handle it. So the words died on their lips, and they silently let it go.
Evan Chu and Silver Dragon left at once. As soon as they stepped outside, the innkeeper hurried over to greet them: "Sirs, you must be extremely careful at the City Lord's Mansion of Sea-Sky City! The City Lord is naturally suspicious, and his strength is no joke. He commands plenty of experts, so whatever happens, don't act rashly!"
Evan Chu hadn't expected the innkeeper to actually care about him, which left him genuinely surprised. "Thanks for the warning. Even if the City Lord's Mansion is a dragon's pool and tiger's den, I've got to check it out. But honestly, I can't figure out why you'd care about us."
"You two are true powerhouses. Meeting experts like you in Sea-Sky City is the happiest thing for me. Of course I don't want anything bad to happen to you," the innkeeper replied.
"Aren't you afraid the City Lord will cause you trouble? Besides, we don't even know if the City Lord is friend or foe. If he's an enemy and you've treated us so well, won't you get dragged down too? Anyway, we appreciate your kindness. If we get out of this safely, maybe we'll help you if you ever run into trouble!" Evan Chu said.
"Then I'll thank you in advance, sirs. I'll be waiting right here for your safe return!" the innkeeper said with a smile, though inwardly he was thinking: "Of course I have something to ask of you. My son is still locked up in the City Lord's Mansion."
If you fall out with the City Lord, with your strength you'll definitely turn the whole mansion upside down. Then I can rescue my son in the chaos. If you become friends, I bet the City Lord will give you face and let my son go—makes it even easier for me.
Evan Chu and Silver Dragon left the inn. Out on the street, several dozen armored soldiers stood waiting; every one of them was at the God-Emperor Realm, an impressively strong squad.
"Sirs, please! Our City Lord has been waiting for you!" said a late-stage God-Emperor soldier, who looked like the leader of the group.
"Lead the way," Evan Chu said simply. In front of these people, he had to put on some airs—otherwise they'd think he was afraid of the City Lord of Sea-Sky City.
It wasn't long before a massive manor appeared before Evan Chu—this had to be the City Lord's Mansion of Sea-Sky City. From a distance, he could see two gigantic stone beasts flanking the main gate. The walls soared over five meters high, and the enormous entrance looked truly imposing.
On either side of the gate stood four guards, each one at late-stage God-Emperor Realm. That alone showed the City Lord's Mansion was no pushover. But Evan Chu wasn't impressed; if the City Lord really dared to make a move against him, he wouldn't mind turning the place upside down.
"Sirs, please! The City Lord is waiting for you inside!" the lead guard said respectfully to Evan Chu.
Soon, Evan Chu and Silver Dragon arrived in front of a massive grand hall. Inside, more than ten people were waiting. A middle-aged man sat at the top seat—clearly, he was the City Lord of Sea-Sky City.
"Young master, that man's strength is also late-stage God-Venerable. Four others in this hall are late-stage God-Venerables, and the rest are mid-stage God-Venerables. This City Lord's Mansion really is a dragon's pool and tiger's den—we'd better be careful." Silver Dragon secretly transmitted to Evan Chu.
"Got it. We'll just play it by ear when the time comes," Evan Chu replied immediately.
Just then, the middle-aged man on the throne strode down, laughing loudly: "Yesterday I heard two strong experts arrived in Sea-Sky City, so I specially invited you both to my mansion. Making friends is my greatest joy, so please don't misunderstand!
The banquet is already prepared—whatever we need to discuss, let's do it over wine!"
"It's a bit overwhelming to receive such hospitality from the City Lord. Since you've prepared a banquet, we'll follow your lead," Evan Chu replied, neither humble nor arrogant.
The banquet was set in a side hall, but only five people from the City Lord's side entered, plus Evan Chu and Silver Dragon—just seven in total. All five were late-stage God-Venerables, making their intent obvious. The City Lord's talk of loving to make friends really meant he wanted Evan Chu and Silver Dragon under his banner. If they refused, even a fool could guess what would happen next.
Once the seven were seated, the City Lord said, "Before the banquet begins, let me introduce these four—they're my most trusted confidants, the four elders of my mansion. They've worked tirelessly for Sea-Sky City, and I treat them like my own brothers.
You can probably tell their strength at a glance. Only Sea-Clan who reach mid-stage God-Venerable Realm can fully assume human form. Sea-Sky City may not be the strongest, but ordinary cities can't compare to us.
The fact that you two came to Sea-Sky City means it's fate. I hope you'll consider developing yourselves here—I would definitely put you in important positions. Wealth and glory are guaranteed."
Evan Chu hadn't expected the City Lord to be so blunt. If he refused, it would surely offend the man and maybe even lead to a falling out. If he accepted, he'd probably lose his freedom. Besides, with his identity, how could he let himself be recruited by a mere Sea-Sky City?
Before Evan could speak, Silver Dragon cut in: "We understand the City Lord's intentions very well, but agreeing so quickly might be a bit rushed. Could we have a few days to think it over? We haven't made any preparations at all."
Silver Dragon's words were already very tactful. If not for considering Evan Chu, with his temperament, he'd have rejected the offer outright—how could such a tiny place be worthy of a Dragon Clan powerhouse? What a joke.
A flash of displeasure crossed the City Lord's face, but it vanished quickly. He laughed, "Of course, of course—it's my own oversight, please don't take it to heart! Let's drink! As the host, I'll toast our honored guests first. Maybe in the future we'll be true brothers, so I'll drain this cup to show my respect!"
The City Lord raised his cup and drank it down in one gulp. Evan Chu and Silver Dragon drank as well. Of course, they'd considered whether the wine was poisoned, but Evan Chu wasn't worried—unless it was Tia Thorn's Peerless Doom Poison, nothing in a place like Sea-Sky City could possibly threaten him. Ordinary poisons were meaningless to him.
Seeing Evan Chu and Silver Dragon drink, the City Lord's face lit up with joy. "You two are truly men of character! Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk! Come on, everyone—bottoms up!"
At that moment, Evan Chu laughed inwardly: "So this really is a Hongmen banquet. If he knew we can't be poisoned at all, I wonder what his face would look like."
(System upgrade—no updates at midnight! Morning updates instead!)