"Welcome, immortal elders!" The moment the shopkeeper saw Xue Xue's celestial bearing, he knew the waiter had spoken truly. He bowed deeply and respectfully. "This humble one is Han Jiang, the shopkeeper of this tavern. Please, immortal elders, upstairs!"
"Mm!" Xue Xue neither confirmed nor denied it as she stepped onto the stairs.
Xiao Hua followed behind Xue Xue and smiled. "Thank you for your trouble, Shopkeeper Han."
Han Jiang was flattered beyond measure. With an ingratiating smile, he said, "The presence of two immortal elders already makes this humble establishment shine upon its thatched walls. How could it be called trouble? Please, immortal elders!"
"Mm~" As Xiao Hua climbed the stairs, he asked, "Shopkeeper Han, does Cold River Tower do good business?"
"Ah? Business?" Han Jiang seemed greatly startled by Xiao Hua's question and nearly lost his composure. He immediately forced a smile. "So-so, so-so. Barely enough to make a living, barely enough to make a living!"
"Hehe!" Xiao Hua laughed. Pointing at the fishing boats on the river and the travelers passing by, he said, "This is a paradise beyond the world. Every passing traveler would surely stop here to rest. Even cultivators like us would pause at the sight of such beautiful scenery. How could business at your Cold River Tower possibly be poor?"
"Hehe, immortal elder truly understands the common folk. Your words make perfect sense!" Han Jiang's plump face piled up with a fawning smile.
Seeing this, Xiao Hua asked no more questions. They soon reached the fourth floor. There were clearly far fewer people on the second and third floors, and those present seemed to be people of some standing—scholars and refined guests. It was much quieter. Hearing footsteps coming upstairs, they all looked up. But upon seeing the two who seemed like immortals,