"Are there really no edibles within this divine path?" Zhao Xiaotian remarked, glancing at the other tables.
"You must be new to the divine path!" the waiter said with a smile. "Within this divine path, anything is available, as long as you have enough spirit stones!"
"Do spirit stones have any special significance within the divine path?" Zhao Xiaotian asked, surprised.
"Within the divine path, spirit stones can nourish spiritual energy, allowing for the cultivation of various grains. Thus, spirit stones are quite important!" the waiter stated plainly.
"I see!" Zhao Xiaotian nodded slightly, understanding the principle.
"We, of course, would not carry such lowly items as spirit stones!" the black-robed elder interjected. "Does that mean we cannot dine here?"
"I brought plenty of spirit stones before we came!" the Elf Queen quickly replied. These were all peerless experts and naturally wouldn't carry common items like spirit stones on their persons. However, it was different for him. Although he held some power in the Elf Dynasty, he was ultimately a low-level cultivator, and spirit stones were of great use to him.
After ordering some drinks and dishes, Lu Fan and the others began to enjoy them. Although they no longer consumed grains, it was not a bad thing to share drinks and conversation on the divine path.
"It seems the divine path is a transit station between the God Realm and various other realms. Those who enter the divine path cannot return to their previous realms, but as long as they live, they can survive here!" Lu Fan stated. "Within Sky Dragon City, most people have likely been on the divine path for many years!"
"If that is the case, it is truly terrifying. With each opening of the divine path, a new batch of experts infiltrates, yet very few manage to become gods," the elders lamented, feeling a sense of helplessness.
"The path to godhood is naturally arduous!" Lu Fan nodded, his gaze growing heavy. He was well aware of this.
As they were conversing, the waiter was suddenly sent flying with a palm strike, blood gushing from his mouth, his face in disarray. Everyone looked on, unsure of what had happened. A gluttonous monk was seen drinking heavily and eating meat, cursing, "It's an honor for me to eat at your establishment! How dare you ask me for spirit stones!" The flamboyant monk was quite arrogant, his words laced with a chilling intent. Many present did not intervene, as the matter did not concern them, and they were unwilling to meddle. Within this divine path, having one less enemy meant one less danger; everyone understood this clearly.
"You have quite the audacity. This is Phoenix Tower, and you think you can eat and drink here for free? Who do you think you are?" At that very moment, a powerful aura surged through the entire tavern, startling everyone present. A woman wearing a qipao slowly emerged, exuding an air of supreme authority, as if this were her domain and no one could act wantonly here.
"Are you the proprietress of this establishment?" the monk inquired, glancing at her. "You are quite attractive. Come, have a few drinks with me, and perhaps I won't trouble you!"
"Newcomers to the divine path are truly exceptionally rampant!" Phoenix said coldly, a smile playing on her lips. "Do you believe I can't kill you with a single palm? Dare to cause trouble in my Phoenix Tower, and you'll regret it!"
"Your words are quite grand. A mere young woman, thinking too highly of yourself!" The monk sneered and instantly raised his staff, thrusting it towards Phoenix with a surge of ferocity.
"Immortal Emperor aura?" Phoenix smiled faintly. "With just this much skill, you dare to dine and dash? Truly seeking death!"
At that instant, two figures collided. The monk was sent flying backward with a violent impact, blood oozing from his lips. He had not expected things to turn out this way. Seeing this, Phoenix disdainfully remarked, "As expected, those who entered the divine path earlier have no idea of their capabilities. Only after being taught a lesson do they realize the consequences, without knowing that in doing so, their lives are at risk!" As soon as the words left her mouth, the monk transformed into a corpse, lacking even the strength to resist.
Everyone present was somewhat surprised, especially those who had recently entered the divine path, finding it even more incredible. They had not expected a mere proprietress of an establishment on the divine path to possess such strength, illustrating the nature of the divine path.
"Everyone, please eat and drink to your heart's content. There's no need to dwell on what just happened!" After dealing with the monk, Phoenix smiled at everyone, appearing quite hospitable, as if the incident had never occurred.
"Truly generous!" Zhao Xiaotian stood aside, his mouth twitching slightly. The proprietress of Phoenix Tower was indeed extraordinary.
"With her strength, even if all of you old fellows combined, you might not be able to subdue her!" Lu Fan remarked. "I truly didn't expect such a powerful individual to be on the divine path!"
In response to his words, the few old men exchanged glances, daring not to say anything further. With the aura the proprietress of Phoenix Tower had just displayed, they might not have been able to resist if they had made a move. They had initially been full of confidence, believing they would achieve great things after entering the divine path. But for some reason, they now regretted it, even feeling that the Myriad Demon Mountain Range was quite good. Staying there always was better than coming to the divine path to court death.
"The road ahead is long, and perhaps many more crises await us!" Lu Fan smiled. "You don't need to worry too much; everything is under control!" With these words, everyone nodded. With Lu Fan's assurance, they naturally felt at ease.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, everyone rose. The Elf Queen also approached the counter to pay with spirit stones.
"My esteemed guests, the road ahead is long. Would you be interested in taking up a position at my establishment?" Just then, Phoenix emerged, her gaze fixed on Lu Fan. "I see you have quite a few people. Why go to certain death? Why not stay here in Sky Dragon City and recuperate?"
"Proprietress, why do you say that?" Lu Fan turned slightly, looking at Phoenix.
"Everyone knows that the divine path is a path to death," Phoenix said with a faint smile. "As you journey onward, you will find it difficult to return. This divine path is merely a purgatory!"
"It appears the proprietress is someone who has been through it before!" Lu Fan smiled. "However, since we have already stepped onto the divine path, we cannot turn back. Perhaps following the heavenly way is the best course."
"Heavenly way?" Phoenix laughed instantly. "What is the heavenly way! Within this divine path, there is only endless purgatory. I have already warned you. Since you are determined to press forward, I can do nothing!"