Chapter 137 – The Traveler’s Tavern
Since the Jiu Yu City was hosting its triennial tournaments, hundreds of Sects had gathered in the city to attend the proceedings.
The Jiu Yu City was even more lively than usual, and people were constantly shouting and screaming, as the city bustled with excitement.
Those who knew their business well were ready to use the opportunity to make a killing, as the city flocked with guests.
The Heavenly Dragon group was the smartest one around, and would go as far as holding an auction in the City. Their auction would be held just a few days prior to the contests, and would continue for consecutive days, till the eve of the tournament. Naturally, they’d be selling all kinds of valuables, but owing to the timing of the auction, the price of these commodities would be doubled.
Of course, there were several other auction houses in the city, which were doing the same thing at this time, but the Heavenly Dragon group was the largest auction house in the city, and was well known for their excellent collection, all over the world.
The Quinyang Sect had arrived a little late, and reached only a couple of days prior to the official start of the Jiu Yu Hidden Dragon List.
“Fortunately, we’ve managed to get here in time enough for the last day of the Heavenly Dragon Group’s auction, which is always the highlight of the event.” Ling Xin Ya said with a smile.
“If some people had it their way, then we’d have missed this as well.” Luo Xiao Tian added in a cold voice.
Yan Yu Si and Bi Fan were aware that they were indefensible, and kept their mouths shut.
Once Luo Xiao Tian was sure that his jab had done its work, he led the Quinyang delegation towards their accommodation.
Every time the Jiu Yu City held these contests, the hotel business would see a big boom, so naturally, it was very important to make reservation in advance.
Since the Quinyang Sect was considered a leading force inside the Jiu Yu City, arranging an accommodation wasn’t an issue. Having a face value naturally had its benefits, however, the inn did charge quite a bit for the same reason.
The complete accommodation package was quite expensive, especially since it was peak business time, owing to the tournament. Due to the prices of these inns, the Sects were not only forced to compete for strength and glory at this time, but also had to contest for facilities like these, which was another form of compet.i.tion in itself: financial compet.i.tion.
‘The Traveler’s Tavern’.
The Inn’s management had put the Quinyang Sect’s banner, right under their own, which was a good and hospitable sign.
Moreover, the traveler’s tavern was regarded as one of the finest hotels in the Jiu Yu city, and was big enough to accommodate hundreds of people, but at present, was only housing the Quinyang Sect delegation.
The Jiu Yu Hidden Dragon List and the Jiu Yu Imperial List tournaments were scheduled to be conducted over a month’s time, and the contestants would require a quiet and peaceful environment for their practice, which is why the Sect had booked the entire establishment.
“There’s a lot of room here, so pick your rooms well; and the dining hall on the first floor. Go to bed early today, and tomorrow, post breakfast, we will take you to the Heavenly Dragon group’s auction, so you can learn how things work around here.” Ling Xin Ya said with a smile.
Soon, everyone chose their rooms; since the inn had a lot of rooms, no one made any fuss over their selection.
This time, a few more girls had decided to partic.i.p.ate in the tournament. Apart from Yan Yu Si, there was Luo Jia and Lin Qing Yao, both of whom were core disciples of the Sect. These three females managed to occupy an entire floor. Because of Yan Yu Si, they were allowed to pick first, and they chose the second floor, since it was most convenient.
Jing Feng, Mo Nan, Bi Fan, and Ji Ying Lan were accommodated on the fourth floor, along with the rest of the Neimen Disciples, with the exception of Luo Sheng.
Luo Sheng was staying with Luo Xiong and the other core disciples on the third floor, plainly out of arrogance.
“Luo Xioa Tian and Luo Sheng are so arrogant, if I had my way, I’d punch them in the face.” Mo Nan said.
Jing Feng smiled: “The last time Brother Bi Fan bashed Luo Sheng up, they mistook it for poisoning. Luo Xiao Tian somehow managed to cure him using his high-grade Dan, and had to personally look after his health and recovery. If it wasn’t for Luo Xiao Tian, then Luo Sheng wouldn’t have been able to partic.i.p.ate in the Jiu Yu Hidden Dragon List this time.”
Once Luo Sheng returned to his home, after losing to Bi Fan, he started to report excruciating pains. The pain was so grave that he screamed relentlessly, and his screams echoed throughout the Quinyang Mountains.
Later, Luo Xiao Tian was forced to take the matter into his own hands, and with great difficulty, somehow managed to expel the poisons from his body.
At present, Luo Sheng would stare at Bi Fan as if he’d eat him alive. The fact that he couldn’t beat Bi Fan, only made him more furious.
“Luo Sheng is such an arrogant guy; I would have left him to suffer.” Mo Nan said: “If he ever crosses me, I won’t care about his Brother, or Grandfather; I’ll give him the bashing he deserves.”
Jing Feng said: “Well we’ll get our chance to teach him a lesson one day.”
“Well, I hope so too, but for now, let’s go and eat something, I’m starving to death here.” Bi Fan said.
Jing Feng, Mo Nan and Bi Fan, started descending the stairs together, and ran into Luo Sheng and Luo Xiong at the turn of the third-floor staircase.
“Bi Fan, you beat me last time, but I’ll get back at you sooner or later.” Luo Sheng was gritting his teeth.
“I’m ready to fight anytime.” Bi Fan smiled: “However, you couldn’t beat me then, and I doubt if you’ll succeed the next time either.”
“Bi Fan, my name is Luo Xiong, and I’m Luo Sheng’s elder Brother. Luo Sheng can be very aggressive at times; I apologize for his behavior.” Luo Xiong said with a smile.
“Brother…” Luo Sheng objected anxiously.
Luo Xiong pulled Luo Sheng back, and said: “Not another word, let’s go down for our dinner.”
Luo Xiong and Luo Sheng proceeded downstairs, while Mo Nan, Jing Feng and Bi Fan, just stood motionless in their places, with a dumb look on their faces, as a chill ran down their spines.
“Luo Xiong is a man with big smiles and evil intentions!” The three of them spoke up in unison, and burst into laughter.
They started descending down the stairs again, and entered the lobby chatting and laughing, and started to look for a seat.
Luo Xiong was quite popular with the other core disciples of the Sect, and most were smiling and greeting him, as they invited him over for to their tables.
But in the end, Luo Sheng and Luo Xiong went over to Ling Xin Ya, Luo Xiao Tian and Yan Yu Si’s table, since Luo Xiong wanted to sit next to Yan Yu Si.
“Miss Yan Yu Si, may I sit here?”
“Of course.” Yan Yu Si’s reply was neither cold, nor sweet.
Bi Fan and his friends had just entered the dining area, and were looking for a table to dine on.
“Jing Feng, Mo Nan, Bi Fan, come here and dine with us.” Lin Xin Ya called them out loudly.
Jing Feng led the way, as the three of them walked over to Ling Xin Ya’s table.
“Ah, that’s weird ah, we are all core disciples, but the Deputy and the Elder didn’t even ask us to dine with them. These three are getting preferential treatment.”
“That’s correct, who do they think they are, huh… they are just outer Disciples, and all they’ve ever done is one eye-catching performance in one internal tournament.”
“Those of us who’ve managed to become Core disciples, are some the most talented geniuses of our generation, but even then, we’re receiving much lesser treatment than these guys.”
Obviously, these core disciples were quite jealous, especially since Ling Xin Ya’s table was also seating the super-beautiful Yan Yu Si, and these men would do almost anything to get closer to her.
But because of Ling Xin Ya’s presence, they wouldn’t dare to voice their opinions loudly. Bi Fan was aware of all this, as he made his way towards Yan Yu Si and Ling Xin Ya, and could feel their red eyes glaring him along the way.
These core disciples were speaking loud enough for Bi Fan and his friends to hear their words clearly.
“Some people don’t understand their position, hum…” Luo Sheng groaned in a cold tone.
Jing Feng smiled: “Yes, some people truly aren’t worthy of sitting on this table. Brother Bi Fan, Brother Mo Nan, I’d really like to find another table, so I can eat my dinner in peace…”
“I’m okay with that. Anyway, I really don’t want to share my table with someone.” Mo Nan replied with a calm and indifferent look on his face.
Bi Fan said in a light tone: “What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over!”
“Well, let’s stop the bickering now. I’m asking you to sit here, irrespective of your opinions.” Ling Xin Ya insisted in an imposing manner.
“Yes, Master!”
“Yes! Deputy Master!”
As Bi Fan, Mo Nan, and Jing Feng sat down, Luo Sheng’s face became even more disfigured, and he even turned his face the other way, in disgrace.