"Is there even food within this divine path?" Zhao Xiaotian asked, glancing at the other tables.
"You must be new to the divine path!" the waiter chuckled. "Within the divine path, you can find anything, as long as you have enough spirit stones!"
"Do spirit stones have any special properties within the divine path?" Zhao Xiaotian asked in surprise.
"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 directly.
"I see!" Zhao Xiaotian nodded slightly, understanding the principle.
"We do not carry such lowly items as spirit stones!" the black-robed elder said. "Does that mean we cannot dine here?"
"I brought plenty of spirit stones before coming!" the Elf Queen quickly replied. These were all peerless experts and naturally wouldn't carry common items like spirit stones on their person. However, it was different for her. Although she held some influence in the Elf Dynasty, she was ultimately a low-level cultivator, and spirit stones were of great use to her.
After ordering some food and drinks, Lu Fan and the others slowly began to enjoy their meal. Although they no longer ate grains, it was still a pleasant experience to share drinks and conversation on the divine path.
"It seems the divine path is a transit point between the God Realm and the various great 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 remarked. "Within Sky Dragon City, most of the inhabitants are likely those who entered the divine path many years ago!"
"If that's the case, it's truly terrifying. Every time the divine path opens, a new batch of experts infiltrates, yet very few manage to become gods," the elders lamented, feeling helpless.
"The path to godhood is naturally arduous!" Lu Fan nodded, his gaze growing heavier. He was well aware of this fact.
As they were conversing, the waiter was suddenly sent flying by a palm strike, blood gushing from his mouth and his face a picture of distress. Everyone looked on, unsure of what had happened. A drunken monk was seen drinking heavily and eating meat, cursing loudly, "It's an honor for me to eat in your establishment, and you dare demand spirit stones from me!" The flamboyant monk was quite arrogant, his words laced with a chilling tone.
Many people present did not intervene. This matter did not concern them, and they naturally would not meddle. Within the divine path, having one less enemy meant one less danger, and everyone understood this clearly.
"You have quite the audacity. This is the Phoenix Pavilion, 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 throughout the entire tavern, startling everyone present. A woman in a qipao slowly emerged, exuding an air of supreme authority, as if this were her domain and no one could act recklessly here.
"Are you the proprietress of this tavern?" the drunken monk sneered, glancing at her. "You're quite good-looking. Come have a few drinks with me, and perhaps I won't make things difficult for you!"
"Newcomers to the divine path are truly exceptionally arrogant!" Phoenix said coldly, a smile gracing her lips. "Do you believe I can kill you with a single slap? Dare to cause trouble in my Phoenix Pavilion, and you'll regret it!"
"Your tone is quite bold. A mere young woman, thinking you're so important!" the drunken monk sneered, instantly raising his staff and thrusting it towards Phoenix with a surge of violence.
"Immortal Emperor aura?" Phoenix smiled faintly. "With such meager abilities, you dare to dine and dash? Truly seeking death!"
At that instant, their two figures collided. The drunken monk was violently sent flying, blood trickling from his lips. He had not expected things to turn out this way. Phoenix looked at the scene with disdain. "As expected, those who entered the divine path earlier don't know their own limits. Only after being taught a lesson do they realize the consequences, not knowing that by doing so, their lives might be forfeit!" As soon as her words fell, the drunken monk turned into a corpse, unable to even resist.
Everyone present was somewhat astonished by this sight, especially those who had just entered the divine path, finding it almost unbelievable. They hadn't expected a mere proprietress of a divine path establishment to possess such strength, which spoke volumes about the divine path itself.
"Everyone, please eat and drink well. Don't dwell on what just happened!" After dealing with the drunken monk, Phoenix smiled warmly at everyone, appearing quite hospitable, as if the incident had never occurred.
"Truly magnanimous!" Zhao Xiaotian stood aside, his mouth twitching slightly. The proprietress of the Phoenix Pavilion was indeed extraordinary.
"With her strength, even all of you old geezers combined might not be able to subdue her!" Lu Fan remarked. "I truly didn't expect such a powerful individual to exist within the divine path!"
Faced with these words, the old men exchanged glances, not daring to say more. With the aura the proprietress of the Phoenix Pavilion had just displayed, they might not have been able to resist if they had intervened. 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 a good place to be. Staying there forever was better than coming to the divine path to seek 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 went to the counter and paid the spirit stones.
"Several of you, the road ahead is long. Would you like to find some work here in my establishment?" At that moment, Phoenix emerged, her gaze falling upon Lu Fan. "I see you have quite a few people. Why go seeking death? It would be better to stay here in Sky Dragon City, allowing yourselves to recuperate and build strength!"
"Why does the proprietress say that?" Lu Fan turned slightly, looking at Phoenix.
"Everyone knows that the divine path is a path to death," Phoenix smiled faintly. "As you proceed, you will find it difficult to return. This journey on the divine path is nothing more than an inferno!"
"It seems the proprietress is someone who has been through this," Lu Fan smiled. "However, since we have already stepped onto the divine path, we cannot turn back. Following the heavenly way might be the best path home!"
"Heavenly way?" Phoenix immediately laughed. "What is the heavenly way! Within this divine path, there is only endless purgatory. I have already warned you. Since you insist on moving forward, I can do nothing more!"