The Profound Ice Tavern was the largest tavern in Dragon City. It belonged to the Earth Dragon Sect and was an important source of income for the sect.
Inside, the tavern was spacious. Its walls were built from polished Blue-Gray Frost Rock, and wisps of chill seeped through the cracks, countering the heat rising from the strong liquor.
The air held the rich aroma of ale, the scent of roasting meat, and a faint chill. Most of the patrons coming and going were well-traveled Soul Masters and Mercenaries. Conversation and the clink of cups rose and fell, lively without becoming deafening.
Huo Yuhao and Gu Yue sat across from each other by the window. A thick animal-hide curtain hung half-drawn, shielding them from most of the eyes on the street.
They had run into each other by chance when they entered the city, and Gu Yue had taken the opportunity to tell him something: Huo Yan'er had come to Dragon City too.
Huo Yuhao lightly rubbed the side of the wooden cup before him. A trace of helplessness touched his brow as he looked up at Gu Yue.
"Why did you bring that little girl along too?"
Gu Yue rested an elbow lightly on the table, her long hair falling over her shoulder. Her eyes were clear, her expression calm and at ease.
"You've been gone so long. Yan'er hasn't seen her father for a whole year, and she missed you terribly. She kept pestering me, insisting that she come see you." Gu Yue tipped her chin toward a private room deeper inside the tavern. "The little one wore herself out on the journey. She's asleep in there now, so no one will disturb us for a while. That gives us a little time to ourselves."
Huo Yuhao glanced toward