Chapter 33: Immortal Guest House

At the Spirit Stone Shop, their suspicions were confirmed: the girl had indeed unearthed a second-grade spirit essence crystal there, and it had been selected from the third-tier stone pile.

Immediately, the entire stock of third-tier stones was snatched up.

The stone-cutter began his work again, but Zhao Erdong’s stroke of luck did not extend to them. Every single stone was sliced open, yet not even a speck of crystal dust was to be found.

Having earned her first pot of gold since her rebirth—and a substantial one at that—Zhao Erdong felt it was only right to treat herself.

If they were going to dine out, they would go to the best establishment. The most famous restaurant in the Imperial Capital was, without question, the Immortal Guest House.

As the two arrived at the entrance and stepped forward with excitement, they were blocked by a doorman with eyes like a snob’s. "Hey, hey, hey—what do you think you're doing? Is this a place you can just barge into?"

What kind of place was the Immortal Guest House? It was a gathering spot for the prominent and powerful of the Imperial Capital. Those who patronized it were either wealthy or noble; ordinary commoners wouldn't even dare to approach the threshold.

"My good fellow, your way of speaking is truly amusing," Zhao Erdong glanced at the servant with a sidelong, mocking gaze, retorting with a sharp tongue. "We came here to eat, obviously. What else would we be here for? To solicit?"

The servant, a mere lad of sixteen or seventeen, turned blood-red at such crude language. He was so taken aback that he was left speechless, completely unable to retort.

Baihe was even more astonished. When had the young lady she spent every waking moment with learned to speak such obscenities, and so brazenly on the open street? It was mortifying.

Taking advantage of the servant’s shame and confusion, Zhao Erdong strode into the Immortal Guest House and headed straight for the antique staircase. Based on her experience, the rooms with the best ambiance were always located upstairs.

"Young lady, are you here to meet someone?" As soon as they reached the second floor, a graceful and beautiful female manager approached. She wore a practiced, professional smile, but her eyes swept over Zhao Erdong and Baihe with a trace of sarcasm.

Zhao Erdong didn't even bother to look her in the eye. Everyone here seemed born with eyes that looked down on others, and she couldn't be bothered to argue; it would only lower her own status.

"Does it look like I'm here to meet someone? I want a private room. Lead the way." Zhao Erdong was blunt, her tone fluid and her gestures dignified and imposing—surpassing even the daughters of the most prestigious families who frequented such places.

The female manager’s delicate brows furrowed. Did this girl think she was a servant? She was the only female manager in the Immortal Guest House; aside from the head proprietor, she was the one in charge. Even the regular patrons showed her a modicum of respect!

Looking at the girls' attire—which was inferior even to that of the restaurant's own waitresses—she scoffed internally. The professional mask on her face was replaced by overt contempt.

"What? Is the Immortal Guest House not doing business today?" Zhao Erdong raised an eyebrow, casting a cold, condescending glance at the manager.

"Miss, it is truly unfortunate, but all the private rooms in the Immortal Guest House are fully booked today. Perhaps you should take your business to another establishment?" The manager spoke in a soft, melodic voice that feigned absolute respect, yet the disdain and insolence between her words were completely unconcealed.

Even a good-natured person like Baihe grew anxious and couldn't help but shout, "You’re lying! There are clearly many empty rooms. Do you take us for blind?"

Although each private room in the Immortal Guest House was a separate space, they were not partitioned by solid wood walls. They were separated only by crystal bead curtains. While this provided a sense of privacy, it did not completely obstruct the view. At a glance, one could see that of the dozens of private rooms, only a few were occupied, while the rest stood empty.