While waiting for Chi Hongli, Ling Tian sat sipping the tea offered by Du Shao.
"What exquisite tea!" Ling Tian remarked after taking a sip. Shi Rui nodded in agreement, adding, "Indeed, it is truly exceptional tea."
Though she said this, Ling Tian could tell from her expression that she was merely being polite to Du Shao.
Of course, Du Shao didn't notice this. Smiling, he said, "I'm delighted it pleases you, esteemed guests. This tea is called 'Dancing Spirit Herb Tea.' It is named so because it clears and refreshes the mind. It also grants the drinker a faint trace of spiritual energy. This herb blooms for only one week a year, so we reserve it only for distinguished guests like yourselves."
Ling Tian's heart stirred slightly, but what surprised him more was that they had served such a rare treasure to him.
"Well, this honor isn't for my sake, but for Shi Rui and Su Han's. As for me, it's just a courtesy," Ling Tian thought, a bitter smile touching his lips.
He then took another sip, reflecting, "It's fine, why dwell on bitterness? This is the way of the world. If you are strong, you wouldn't even pay attention to such courtesies."
After finishing the sip, he glanced at his cup, then suddenly downed the entire contents in one go, thinking, "But if you are weak, you must seize every advantage. And I, Ling Tian, plan to seize every opportunity I get."
With this resolve, Ling Tian finished his cup of tea. He then looked at Du Shao, extended his cup, and said with a smile, "More."
Du Shao didn't mind at first. But after Ling Tian drank a third cup and reached out for yet another refill, dark lines seemed to form on Du Shao's forehead upon seeing this. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Damn, does this kid have no shame at all?"
Despite his thoughts, he still poured more tea for Ling Tian.
Both Shi Rui and Su Han watched the scene with faint smiles.
Ling Tian wanted more from Du Shao, but fortunately for Du Shao, the teapot was finally empty.
"Ah, such misfortune. It seems the teapot is empty. I beg your pardon, Young Master." Although Du Shao said this in a sorrowful tone, the smile on his face told a completely different story.
Ling Tian sighed inwardly, thinking, "Not bad. I feel like I've gained the equivalent of a few days of cultivation just from drinking this tea."
"Could you tell me the price per bag of this Dancing Spirit Herb Tea?" Ling Tian asked, thinking he had found a way to speed up his cultivation. "If it were one spirit stone, I'd buy at least ten," he mused, but reality was harsh.
Du Shao replied calmly, "Normally, we do not sell this tea. But since the Young Master asks... one hundred spirit stones should suffice."
Ling Tian was shocked by the price and felt embarrassed. "Forget it then," he replied. "I hadn't imagined it would be so expensive."
Hearing this, Du Shao's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected Ling Tian's response, and he simply remained silent.
Fortunately, Qi Ji arrived just in time to save Ling Tian from his embarrassment.
"Elder Sister Shi, my elder brother is ready to see you," Qi Ji said as he entered the guest hall.
"Very well, let's go," Shi Rui said calmly. She stood up, and Su Han naturally moved to follow. But Qi Ji stopped him, saying, "My apologies, Elder Su. My elder brother's orders are for only Elder Sister Shi to come."
"Impossible," Su Han replied in a cold voice, simultaneously drawing his sword.
Qi Ji found himself in a difficult position. Luckily, Shi Rui intervened, "Su Han, lower your sword. Don't worry about me. I will be fine."
Upon hearing this, Su Han sheathed his sword, though his gaze remained icy.
She then turned to Qi Ji and said, "Let's go."
But suddenly, Ling Tian spoke to Qi Ji, "Caravan Leader Qi, about the inn you mentioned to me..."
When Qi Ji heard this, he said apologetically, "My apologies, Young Master, it seems I forgot." He then turned to Du Shao and said, "Du Shao, please guide the Young Master to the Spring Dawn Inn."
Du Shao said nothing, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
"Well then, farewell Shi Rui, farewell Su Han," Ling Tian said with a touch of sadness.
Shi Rui smiled and said, "Don't say farewell, say 'until we meet again,' for we shall surely meet again."
Su Han also said, "Until we meet again."
Ling Tian laughed in response and said, "In that case, I'll stick with farewell. Because I don't want to lose all my confidence before I see you again. So, farewell." He said this while waving to them.
Both Shi Rui and Su Han chuckled but said nothing more. Ling Tian left the pavilion with Du Shao and headed towards the Spring Dawn Inn.
On the way, Ling Tian asked Du Shao, "Is it normal for you to leave your duties like this for me? I mean, you could have just had a guard show me the way."
Du Shao answered calmly, "It's fine. It's good to get out of the work atmosphere sometimes. Also, without me, you would definitely be fleeced by that greedy innkeeper."
Ling Tian was surprised and said, "I don't think so, but thank you anyway."
Finally, Ling Tian and Du Shao arrived at the Spring Dawn Inn. The inn was a two-story building. From the outside, it looked like any ordinary inn, but when Ling Tian entered, he saw many people sitting around discussing various matters. A young waiter was rushing about attending to everyone's requests, while in the back, an old man was swiftly preparing drinks. The scent of wine permeated the entire inn. As for the patrons, some were drinking and laughing with friends, while others drank alone, lost in their thoughts.
Du Shao paid them no mind and stepped forward to speak to the old man. "Old man, I need a room for my young friend here."
Du Shao spoke loudly because the inn was filled with noise.
The old man was initially pleased, but when he turned around, he said in a slightly annoyed voice, "Du Shao, can you stop bringing people here? You'll bankrupt me."
Du Shao paid him no heed and said, "How could a greedy old man like you lose money? Now, get me a suitable room."
The old man didn't reply and turned to look at the wall filled with keys.
He looked for a moment, then took one of the keys and said, "Take room three. The price is two spirit stones per day."
When Ling Tian heard "two spirit stones," he thought it was a bit expensive, but he didn't mind. He took out two spirit stones, handed them to the old man, and received the key.
The old man seemed to sense Ling Tian's slight dissatisfaction, so he said, "What's there to be upset about? These rooms are equipped with soundproofing and protective formations. Even a mid-level cultivator wouldn't be able to breach the formation. Now tell me, are you still dissatisfied with just two spirit stones?"
Ling Tian was astonished by all these features and said, "How could I not be grateful?"
He then turned to Du Shao and said, "Thank you, Brother Du." Du Shao smiled faintly, unconcerned.
"Alright, now that you have your room, I should be heading back," Du Shao said as he prepared to leave. Likewise, Ling Tian didn't remain idle; he took the key and headed up to his room.