Lao Xie chuckled softly as he stepped away from the counter, "If it's you then it shouldn't hurt." he replied with a playful grin. With a final nod, he stepped out of the Resource Pavilion.
----------------------------
"Alright, I've got what I need now. Where should I head next?" Lao Xie pondered.
He glanced around for a moment. "It's been a while since I've had a good meal."
"Alright, let's go to Azure Sky Restaurant," he decided inwardly. Having made up his mind, he slowly made his way forward.
Azure Sky Restaurant was a famous, top-class restaurant highly regarded within the sect. The sect itself was so vast that it could fit a small city inside.
Not to mention, the restaurant was located on the outskirts of the sect, making it easily accessible. Since the sect's outskirts were home to outer disciples, even they could afford to dine there with enough savings.
After walking for a few minutes, Lao Xie finally arrived at the restaurant.
He looked up at the banner, Azure Sky Restaurant. "It definitely looks grand," he muttered.
Without further ado, he stepped inside.
As Lao Xie stepped inside, he was greeted by the warm, inviting scent of fine wine and sizzling dishes wafting through the air. It was truly a sight to behold.
The entire structure was circular, with tables arranged in a curved formation around the centerpiece of the establishment, a small, elegant pond. The clear water shimmered under the soft glow of spirit lamps, and graceful koi fish of various colors swam leisurely within. A small wooden bridge arched over the pond, allowing guests to pass from one side of the restaurant to the other.
The first floor was designed for casual dining, filled with neatly arranged wooden tables and chairs, each polished to perfection. The walls were adorned with delicate silk paintings of mountains, rivers, and legendary cultivators in battle, adding to the refined atmosphere. Waiters, dressed in azure robes, moved gracefully between tables, carrying trays filled with steaming delicacies and fragrant wines.
A grand staircase, carved from deep blue spirit wood, led to the second level, which was reserved for wealthier disciples and sect elites. This floor featured private dining rooms, each separated by intricate bamboo screens for privacy. From above, diners could gaze down at the pond below, adding to the serene and luxurious ambiance.
"The interior looks nice too," Lao Xie noted, slightly amazed by the grandeur of the restaurant.
The Azure Sky Restaurant was considered a high-end restaurant , one that would cost most outer disciples a fortune to afford.
Without hesitation, Lao Xie headed toward the staircase leading to the second level.
Upon reaching the counter, he approached the clerk and spoke calmly. "I'd like to book a private dining room."
The clerk, noticing Lao Xie's somewhat worn attire, hesitated for a moment, doubt flickering in his eyes.
Lao Xie, sensing the clerk's skepticism, remained unfazed. "Don't mind the clothes. I just got back from a mission and didn't have time to change."
Realizing her mistake, the clerk quickly straightened up. "Ah, my apologies!" she said with a slight bow.
"If that's the case, please follow me," he added, gesturing for Lao Xie to come along.
They walked for a short while until they reached a particular room.
"You're in luck," the clerk said with a smile. "This is the last available room."
She led him inside and gestured toward the pond below. "This room also offers the best view of the pond."
Lao Xie glanced around before nodding in satisfaction. "Not bad."
Seeing his approval, the clerk continued, "The deposit for this room is 10 silver coins, or would you prefer to pay with spirit stones?"
Lao Xie couldn't help but mutter, "As expected of a private dining room in a high-end restaurant." The price alone spoke for its exclusivity.
"I'll pay with silver coins," he said, handing over 10 silver coins without hesitation.
"Great," the clerk replied, storing the coins. "Now, what would you like to order?"
Lao Xie sat down, contemplating his choices.
A few minutes later, after finalizing his order, the clerk gave a polite nod. "Alright then, I'll take my leave. Your meal should be ready in about thirty minutes. If you need anything, just ring the bell on the table, and another clerk will attend to you."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Lao Xie alone in the room.
Lao Xie leaned back slightly, tapping the table. "Ten silver coins just for the deposit…" he said inwardly.
Just as he was about to close his eyes and relax, the restaurant's atmosphere shifted. The soft hum of conversation grew livelier, a ripple of excitement spreading through the guests.
He noticed people straightening in their seats, some even leaning forward as if anticipating something grand. A few disciples at a nearby table whispered among themselves, their voices barely contained.
"She's performing today?"
"Seriously? Ling Ruxin is playing?"
"We're lucky! Her guqin performances are rare!"
Lao Xie's fingers stilled against the table. "Ling Ruxin?"
The murmurs soon turned to open admiration.
"I heard even the elders appreciate her music."
"Her skills are unmatched! Some say her guqin playing can even influence one's emotions."
More guests turned their attention toward the central pond below. The previously calm and elegant atmosphere of the Azure Sky Restaurant had transformed into eager anticipation.
Lao Xie's golden eyes flickered as he finally shifted his gaze.
Down near the pond, a slender figure stepped onto the wooden bridge. Clad in a flowing azure robe embroidered with silver patterns, her long, silky reddish hair cascaded down her back, swaying slightly with each step. Her face was serene, exuding an air of quiet confidence.
Ling Ruxin.
Lao Xie's lips curled into a faint smirk. He hadn't expected to run into her again so soon and certainly not like this.
Unlike their first encounter, where she was bloodied and desperate, here she was composed and untouchable, admired by everyone around her.
"That girl….." Lao Xie mumbled, his amusement growing.
Ling Ruxin approached the small pavilion at the pond's center, where a guqin lay waiting. As she sat down gracefully, the restaurant fell into complete silence.
Lao Xie rested his chin on his palm, watching with mild interest.
At the same time, on the second-floor counter.
"I want to book the best private room overlooking the pond. Right now," said a young man dressed in an elegant silver robe, his tone carrying unquestionable authority.
The clerk behind the counter hesitated before responding with a polite yet firm tone. "I'm sorry, Young Master, but all the rooms are currently occupied. The best one has already been booked."
A flicker of annoyance crossed the young man's face. Before he could speak, One of the attendants stepped forward, his tone sharp and entitled. "How dare you refuse our Young Master?"
"Whoever booked that room, tell them to vacate it immediately! Our Young Master will pay ten times the price they did!"
The others nodded in agreement, their voices loud and arrogant, causing quite a commotion.