The Imperial City of Heaven Dou was a bustling metropolis, its streets lined with countless shops offering a dazzling array of goods.
Some specialized in spirit tools, weapons, and armor, while others sold daily necessities, food, and medicinal herbs. There were even establishments catering exclusively to soul masters.
As the heart of the Heaven Dou Empire, the city teemed with people from all walks of life—merchants, soul masters, and ordinary citizens alike.
Amidst this lively atmosphere stood an elegant and refined building, its entrance adorned with a simple yet dignified plaque: "Juxiang Pavilion."
Stepping out of the carriage, Wu Ling tilted her head curiously at the restaurant's sign.
"Teacher, are we eating here? This place looks really fancy!"
(òωó)
Fu Ye chuckled at the little girl's remark but said nothing, silently striding inside instead. Xiao Wu and Wu Ling quickly followed.
"Xiao Zhang, bring us three more jugs of your finest wine!"
"Hahaha! I told you—the food here is amazing!"
"Eat up, everyone! My treat today!"
The pavilion buzzed with activity, every seat filled with lively patrons. Laughter and chatter intertwined, filling the air with warmth.
Waiters darted between tables, delivering plate after plate of mouthwatering dishes. The atmosphere was vibrant, a testament to the restaurant's popularity.
"How many in your party, honored guest?"
A middle-aged man in a black supervisor's uniform approached. The moment Fu Ye saw him, recognition flashed in his eyes.
"Xiao Li, has it really been over ten years? You don't even recognize me anymore?"
A smile played on Fu Ye's lips. The man—Xiao Li—stared in shock before his face lit up with realization.
"Damn! Boss! It's really you!"
He immediately turned and bellowed across the hall: "Sister Lan! Spread the word! The boss is back!"
Xiao Li—no, Old Li now—shouted excitedly at Xiao Lan, who stood nearby. When she caught sight of Fu Ye, her eyes widened.
"Xiao Lan! Xiao Cui! Pass it on! The boss has returned!!!"
o(≧口≦)o
Well.
("▔□▔)
Was it really necessary to make such a fuss just because their long-lost boss had come back?
Fu Ye didn't understand their excitement, but he was certainly taken aback.
Meanwhile, in the private room on the top floor—
A white-haired old man with a youthful face abruptly stood up, startling the elegant middle-aged man drinking across from him.
"Uncle Jian, what—"
"He's back!"
Before the man could finish, the white-haired elder vanished in a flash.
"Huh? Who's back? This old swordsman is still as impulsive as ever."
The black-haired middle-aged man nearby clicked his tongue in disapproval, watching the elder's retreating figure.
"Dad, where's Grandpa Jian going? Why did he leave so suddenly?"
A delicate little girl in a green princess dress peeked out from beside him.
"Rongrong, your Grandpa Jian just—"
"Uncle Bone, brace yourself. The only one who could make Uncle Jian move like that is probably that guy."
"Hmm? Which guy?"
"The one who dragged you out of that alternate dimension with his bare hands."
"Huh? Hmm?! Damn it, that monster is back?!"
Σ(￣д￣;)
After catching up with Old Li, Fu Ye was about to find a table for Xiao Wu and Wu Ling when a familiar presence brushed against his senses.
"Brother Fu Ye."
In the next moment, the white-haired elder appeared behind him, bowing respectfully.
Fu Ye grinned.
'Chen Xin… He's really reached Level 98, a true Super Douluo now.'
"Brother Chen Xin, enough with the formalities. We're brothers—keep this up, and I won't hold back!"
He turned and clapped the elder's shoulder—hard. Sword Douluo's lips twitched at the force. 'That really hurt.'
"Xiao Li, you haven't eaten yet, right? Take these ingredients and have them prepared. I'm sharing a drink with Juxiang Pavilion's finest bodyguard today."
Fu Ye tossed a large bag of rare ingredients—thousand-year spirit herbs and other delicacies—to Old Li, who caught it eagerly.
"Right away, Boss! I'll get the kitchen moving!"
Xiao Li scurried off toward the kitchen.
"Shall we find a place to drink?" Fu Ye suggested.
Chen Xin hesitated briefly before explaining the situation.
"That old fox Ning Fengzhi is here too? Perfect—time to get him drunk again!"
Fu Ye waved at Xiao Lan.
"Xiao Lan! Just have Xiao Li send the dishes to the No. 1 private room!"
"Yes, Boss!" Xiao Lan bowed immediately.
With that, Fu Ye, Sword Douluo, Xiao Wu, and Wu Ling made their way upstairs.
The staircase, crafted from polished marble and dark iron, exuded understated elegance. Intricate carvings adorned the railings, and warm lantern light flickered against the walls, casting a serene glow.
After several turns, they arrived outside the No. 1 private room.
"Squeak—"
Sword Douluo pushed the door open.
Inside sat Bone Douluo Gu Rong, the old fox Ning Fengzhi, and—
'Ning Rongrong?'
Fu Ye blinked in surprise before chuckling. 'Ah, right. That makes sense.'
"Well, well, old fox. It's been years, and your daughter's already this big?"
The moment Fu Ye spoke, Ning Fengzhi choked on the warm greeting he'd prepared. 'This bastard!'
"I'm doing fine. You seem well too—even have a kid now."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze flicked to Xiao Wu and the little girl behind Fu Ye, who bore a faint resemblance to her.
…
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