Tiandou Imperial City was alive with energy, its streets crowded with merchants, soul masters, and ordinary citizens.
Shops of all kinds lined the streets: stores for weapons, armor, medicinal herbs, soul guides, and rare spiritual items.
The capital of the Tiandou Empire was a hub for talent and wealth alike, bustling with life at every corner.
In the middle of this vibrant city stood an elegant, unassuming building.
Above its main entrance hung a wooden plaque: "Juxiang Pavilion."
Wu Ling's eyes widened as she stepped down from the carriage.
"Master, are we eating here? It looks really fancy," she asked, curiosity sparkling in her voice.
Yuan Longxuan merely smiled, saying nothing, and walked into the pavilion with Xiao Wu and Wu Ling following close behind.
The inside of Juxiang Pavilion was packed with diners, laughter, and chatter filling the air. Waiters hurried to and fro, carrying steaming plates of food and pitchers of wine.
The atmosphere was warm, lively, and inviting, showing the restaurant's undeniable popularity.
"Xiao Zhang, three more jugs of the best wine!" Yuan Longxuan called as they walked further in.
Xiao Wu chuckled, watching the scene. "I told you! The food here is amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Wu Ling tugged at Yuan Longxuan's sleeve. "Master, can we eat as much as we want? You said it's your treat!"
Yuan Longxuan nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
He led the girls to a spot where they could enjoy their meal, but before they could settle, a middle-aged man in a black manager's uniform approached.
Yuan Longxuan recognized him immediately.
"Little Li Zi?" he asked, voice calm.
The man's eyes widened as he examined Yuan Longxuan. "Boss…? Is it really you?" he stammered, disbelief and excitement mingling in his tone.
"Yes, it's me," Yuan Longxuan replied casually, though inside he felt a flicker of surprise at the warm reception.
Little Li Zi shouted immediately, "Sister Lan! Boss is back!" His voice echoed across the pavilion, drawing attention from everyone nearby.
Soon, Xiao Lan and Xiao Cui appeared, both equally astonished. "The boss… really came back?" Xiao Lan exclaimed. "After over a decade…?"
The commotion spread quickly. Yuan Longxuan's presence had stirred everyone, but he remained calm, his expression unreadable.
Inside a private room on the upper floor, a white-haired old man with a youthful appearance suddenly stood.
His movements startled a middle-aged man who was drinking nearby. "Uncle Jian…?" someone asked.
"He's back!" the old man exclaimed, vanishing into the private room as quickly as he appeared.
Nearby, a black-haired middle-aged man watched silently, frowning.
"Where is Grandpa Jian going? Why did he leave so suddenly?" a young voice asked.
From the side, a delicate little girl in a cyan dress peeked out.
"Rongrong, Grandpa Jian… he must be excited. Only one person could make him act like this."
"Who?" Rongrong asked, curious.
"The one who pulled you out of another dimension with his bare hands," the girl whispered.
"Huh? That… pervert is back?!" Rongrong exclaimed, wide-eyed.
After a short conversation with Old Li, Yuan Longxuan prepared to find a table for Xiao Wu and Wu Ling. But before they could move, he sensed a familiar presence.
"Brother Yuan Longxuan Mian," said a calm voice behind him. A white-haired, youthful-looking man appeared and bowed.
Yuan Longxuan's lips curved into a faint smile. Chen Xin, now a Level 98 Super Douluo, had matured greatly since their last meeting.
"Brother Chen Xin, what brings you here?" Yuan Longxuan asked warmly, clapping him on the shoulder.
"We've been brothers for years. Don't be so formal, or I might have to get rough!"
Chen Xin chuckled, rubbing his shoulder where Yuan Longxuan's playful slap had landed.
"Have you eaten yet?" Yuan Longxuan asked. "Xiao Li, take these ingredients to the kitchen and get them prepared.
I want to have a good drink with my pavilion's finest bodyguard today."
He handed over a large bag filled with millennium-level spiritual objects and rare ingredients.
Xiao Li, quick and agile, ran toward the kitchen immediately, eager to get started.
"Then let's find a spot to drink," Yuan Longxuan said casually. Chen Xin nodded, his expression thoughtful.
"Is Ning Fengzhi here too? That would be perfect for another drink," he suggested.
Yuan Longxuan waved to Xiao Lan. "Xiao Lan! Have Xiao Li bring the food to the Emperor's No. 1 private room on the top floor."
"Yes, Boss!" Xiao Lan replied with a respectful bow.
With that, Yuan Longxuan, Chen Xin, Xiao Wu, and little Wu Ling headed to the upper floors, their steps light but purposeful.
The marble staircase beneath them was elegant, flanked by warm stone lamps casting soft, flickering light.
The handrails, made of dark ironwork, were simple yet sophisticated, carved with flowing patterns that added a rustic charm.
Finally, they reached the top, stopping outside the Emperor's No. 1 private room. Jian Douluo pushed the door open slowly.
Inside, Bone Douluo Gu Rong, the cunning Ning Fengzhi, and Ning Rongrong were present.
Yuan Longxuan froze momentarily at the sight of Ning Rongrong, who had grown into a fine young lady.
He shook his head with a small smile. "Old fox, it's been so many years. Your daughter has grown so much!"
Ning Fengzhi's expression softened, but Yuan Longxuan's words, casual yet sincere, immediately broke the careful tension he had built.
"You're the same as always," Yuan Longxuan continued. "And you even have a child now."
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