In the little tavern in North Sea Commandery City, the proprietor and his assistant had not heard the exchange between the visiting elder and the Black-Robed Man. They were busy putting up the wooden shutters.
After all, with dark clouds overhead and strong winds on the ground, a fierce storm seemed inevitable. They needed to close off one of the tavern's two open sides.
When the elder approached, the proprietor finally noticed him and hurried over to turn him away.
"Sir, sir, we're not really ready for guests today. Look at this mess."
The proprietor had realized that the black-robed guest drinking in his tavern was not someone to provoke. But the elder coming inside wore a smile and merely nodded.
"That's quite all right. I'm here to see him!"
"Huh?"
The proprietor looked toward the black-robed guest seated over there. Ya You did not acknowledge his gaze. He simply set down his wine bowl and repeated the same words.
"Bring more wine!"
"Yes, yes, right away, right away!"
The proprietor nodded his assent and motioned for the assistant to fetch more wine at once. He glanced at the newly arrived elder but dared not ask any further questions. He did not even ask what wine the elder wanted or whether he wanted food, instead hurrying back to the counter.
The elder glanced over the table. An empty wine jar sat on it, and many more emptied jars stood beside it.
Judging by their brief exchange from inside and outside the tavern, the North Sea Dragon Lord was clearly playing dumb.
The elder shook his head and sat opposite Ya You. The latter smiled faintly and tossed an empty bowl straight over to him.
"Since you're here, have a little wine with me. There aren't many in the Celestial Court