Xu Ran knew nothing of what had happened in Mysterious Star City after he left.
Even if he had known, he probably would have taken it calmly.
After all, when it came to boarding conditions, the Starfire Foster Shop had always been in a class of its own, impossible to surpass.
After Xu Ran summoned his five Contract Beasts inside the Starfire Foster Shop in Cloud-Gathering City, the commotion of his arrival immediately brought Fishing Enthusiast, who was minding the shop, over to greet him.
"Hello, boss!"
Seeing Fishing Enthusiast wearing his straw hat and carrying his fishing rod even inside the shop as usual, Xu Ran nodded and casually asked, "How has business been lately?"
"Better than before. The three of us can barely keep up even working nonstop every day." Fishing Enthusiast chuckled. "After all, Cloud-Gathering City has been quite lively lately!"
"Oh?" Xu Ran's eyes flickered as something soon occurred to him. "Because of the Exchange Battle between the second-tier strongholds?"
"Yes." Fishing Enthusiast nodded slightly. "The second-tier strongholds participating in the Exchange Battle have been arriving one after another. Quite a few cities that aren't participating have also sent people to watch, so Cloud-Gathering City has had plenty of out-of-town visitors lately."
"Our Starfire Foster Shop is now indisputably number one in Cloud-Gathering City. Quite a few Beast Tamers from other cities have come because of our reputation, bringing our Boarding Shop some extra business."
"I see." Xu Ran nodded in understanding and glanced outside.
As usual, the waiting customers formed a long line outside the shop, but some of those in the queue wore clothing in styles different from the Cloud-Gathering City locals, making it obvious they were visitors.
"That's a good thing too." Xu Ran smiled casually. "We're spreading our reputation in advance. Who