The Lavish Diner
The server nodded repeatedly, a flattering smile plastered on his face. "Of course, sir! I'll have the kitchen prepare it immediately."
He recognized Luo Chuan as a distinguished guest and dared not delay. Without hesitation, he rushed toward the kitchen.
"You didn't need to order so much food," Yao Ziyan whispered softly.
Luo Chuan shook his head, his tone serious. "This is the first time I've taken you out for a meal. I can't just do it half-heartedly."
The surrounding diners overheard Luo Chuan's extravagant order. While jealousy lingered in their gazes, another emotion crept in: malice.
The evil rich man!
The dish Phoenix Soars the Heavens alone cost a staggering three thousand spirit crystals! Adding in the other signature dishes, this meal would total nearly five thousand spirit crystals.
Of course, the cost reflected its value. The dishes used high-grade ingredients, like beasts at the Origin Mastery stage, and could temporarily enhance the diner's perception of the spiritual energies around them. Essentially, it was a weaker version of Origin Mall's instant noodles.
For perspective, an average Soul Dominion cultivator's lifetime wealth barely reached five thousand spirit crystals. It was astonishing to think this meal would devour an entire master's fortune.
Naturally, Luo Chuan wasn't aware of any of this...
---
"Father is too paranoid! Why all the fuss over a few wandering cultivators? He's kept me locked in the palace for so long!"
A distant voice, dripping with dissatisfaction, broke through the hum of the restaurant.
"Your Highness, you underestimate the strength of these cultivators," another voice replied with a tone of caution. "They've come for the ancient ruins in the Nine Stars Mountains. It's best to avoid unnecessary trouble."
The first speaker snorted disdainfully, clearly unconvinced.
As the voices drew closer, two young men, both dressed in luxurious attire, stepped into Wind Immortal Tower. Their presence radiated an air of authority, the unmistakable aura of individuals accustomed to power.
"Server! Get us a private room, now!" one of the young men demanded arrogantly.
"Right away! Your Highness, Master Li, this way, please!" The server bowed deeply, his deference unmistakable.
It was obvious these two were regular patrons of Wind Immortal Tower; the staff knew them well.
---
Among the diners, some cultivators who had recently arrived in Nine Stars City looked at the newcomers with curiosity.
"Who are they? They look important," one asked.
"You must be new here," someone replied. "That's the Second Prince, Ji Tianhao. The other is Li Mu, the adopted son of the Right Minister."
"Ah, I see. Birds of a feather flock together. I've heard these two rely on their status to do as they please in Nine Stars City."
"Don't they ever get punished for their actions?"
The speaker chuckled bitterly. "Who'd dare? One's an imperial prince, and the other is connected to the court. Anyone who tries to oppose them must have a death wish."
"Well, well... looks like we're in for some entertainment tonight," someone murmured with a smirk.
---
When Ji Tianhao and Li Mu entered, Luo Chuan cast them a fleeting glance.
"Just a couple of spoiled brats," he thought indifferently. He quickly lost interest and focused on his meal.
Yao Ziyan, seated beside him, remained calm and poised, her presence as serene as ever.
However, while Luo Chuan and Yao Ziyan were low-profile, their presence couldn't go unnoticed—particularly Yao Ziyan's. Her striking beauty had drawn the attention of almost everyone in the restaurant.
Ji Tianhao's gaze swept across the room, and he sneered at the other diners. He'd always looked down on wandering cultivators, considering them beneath him. But as his eyes landed on Yao Ziyan, he froze.
Li Mu, standing beside him, also stopped in his tracks, his expression stunned.
Ji Tianhao silently swore he had never seen such a breathtaking woman in his life. Just looking at her was enough to make one lose their senses.