1693 A Place For Gathering And A Countess
"Where are we going?" Luo Liqin asked.
"There should be plenty of restaurants nearby." Lin Mu replied. "We'll get a private room."
As much as Luo Liqin wanted to ask more, he just decided to see what Lin Mu was going to tell him. Something told him that this was going to be bigger than expected.
It didn't take them that long to find a decent restaurant. After all, with the tournament of the four guardians running for months the influx of the people would be massive. Many restaurants had been set up here since thousands of years and thus people could enjoy food and drinks.
There were even certain restaurants that allowed one to watch the battles from their VIP rooms. Of course, these restaurants weren't easy to access and were quite expensive. They were all owned by either nobles or rich merchants.
After all, in order for them to tap into the formation screens of the Tournament, a special permission would have to be taken from the temple. This was not something that would be granted easily and all those that had it were special.
They had either contributed to the temple, or had done actions that were worthy of obtaining merit.
Lin Mu chose exactly one such establishment. It was about ten floors tall and had a luxurious exterior, gilded with gold and silver runes carved into the surface. There were formation arrays openly displayed on it, that melded together to present a beautiful painting.
It looked like a palace more than a restaurant and the people patronizing it seemed to be all nobles too. Though the foot traffic for it was rather low, showing that it was only meant for the elite.
Instead of a normal name board, a formation screen displayed the name of the establishment.
'Spring Valley Restaurant.'
Lin Mu and Luo Liqin came to a stop near the entrant before glancing at the guards and attendants present there.
"Excuse me, I'd like to book a VIP room." Lin Mu said to the attendants right at the entrance. "One with the best privacy if possible." He added.
The attendants were caught off guard and took a second look at Lin Mu wondering who he was. Just from appearance, it was hard to determine if his background was noble or not. Even the energy fluctuations coming from him were from the First Tribulation Stage of the immortal realm, making him look normal.
But the confidence with which he spoke and his demeanor was different.
Despite that though, the attendants shook their heads. The guards also looked ready to act, though there was no aggression displayed openly/
"I'm sorry but VIP rooms are not given without the necessary identity tokens." They chose to give an excuse.
"The cost is not an issue, if that's what you're concerned about." Lin Mu replied.
"Cost is not the standard for the en—" Before the attendant could finish his words though, another voice was heard.
"Let them in. They are more than worthy of it." A female voice spoke.
Hearing the voice, the attendants immediately became serious and replied, "yes!"
Luo Liqin wondered just who was it that had spoken, for their attitudes to change this quickly. He took a look at Lin Mu and saw that he seemed to be nonchalant about it, as if he had already expected it.
"Please, come with us honored sirs." The attendants quicks guided Lin Mu and Luo Liqin to the eighth floor of the building.
Along the way, Luo Liqin couldn't help but whisper, "is this fine, Daoist Mu Lin? We could have found another place with private rooms." Then after taking a pause, he spoke again. "The costs for this place will be great too."
"It'll be fine." Lin Mu assured the man. "Besides, we need it to be this place. The functions here will be perfect." He added.
While it seemed like Lin Mu had randomly picked a place to go to, it wasn't so. In fact, he had long since picked this place out
Lin Mu had memorized the maps and taken a look at several places. With the Map Mirror highlighting and showing things in detail, Lin Mu had more information than others.
"Welcome, Daoist Mu Lin." A woman greeted him.
Dressed in green and blue robes, she looked to be in the mid thirties. She held a broad fan in her hand while her deep blue colored nails shimmered against the light of the lamps. Then there were the Qi fluctuations coming from her showed that she was not weak.
'Fifth Tribulation Stage of the immortal realm… She's certainly not of the younger generation.' Lin Mu could tell this from both her cultivation base as well as her demeanor.
Luo Liqin who saw the woman, was stunned though.
"C-countess? Countess Xiurong!" Luo Liqin recognized.
"Haha, I'm flattered that honored guests can recognize me." Countess Xiurong laughed, covering her mouth with the fan.
"Greetings countess. I believe this is our first meeting." Lin Mu replied.
"Of course. Though it isn't the first time I'm seeing you." The Countess said with a smile. "I had wished to send you a letter of appreciation too, but the Crown Prince had you claimed beforehand." She let out a little sigh.
"Doesn't matter. At least we get to meet now." Lin Mu spoke before gesturing to his companion. "This is Luo Liqin, a friend of mine."
"Ah, I recall seeing Daoist Luo Liqin too. Though its unfortunate that your journey came to an end this quick." She replied.
Luo Liqin's expression stiffened by he wasn't offended.
"Of course, Daoist Luo Liqin was out of luck. Facing a top five ranker is not easy after all." Lin Mu replied changing the topic.
"That is true." Countess Xiurong nodded. "Yao Changying is a woman to be reckoned with." She added before giving a look to the servants who had appeared by the side.
"Please, bring our guests to the Second Spring room." She ordered. "I'm a bit occupied right now, but I'll be sure to come visit you later, Daoist Mu Lin." She stated.
