The Innkeeper - Chapter 2028

Chapter 2028: Surprise guests
On one hand, Lex wanted nothing to do with it. Secrets of the Primordial Age were called secrets for a reason. It was almost impossible to break the veil of mystery that shrouded that age, and Lex had a feeling that successfully breaking that veil would have pretty big consequences. Yes, he was curious about what happened back then, but his priority was survival, not history research. He was not quite as strong as he pretended to be just yet.

On the other hand, the most benefits and growth Lex had ever gotten came from getting involved in matters way beyond his grade and surviving somehow. The kinds of opportunities and treasures he could encounter were the primary reasons for why his cultivation had been so quick.

If he had relied on using the treasures relevant to his own cultivation level, it would be a wonder if he would have even reached the Earth Immortal realm by now.

Lex smiled awkward, and decided to simply answer the question truthfully, instead of trying to mix in any personal agenda.

“It’s definitely the hottest gossip I’ve ever heard of,” he said, providing her with a sense of affirmation. “However, I don’t really know if this is really the right venue to bring out something like that. I mean, the tea party is a collection of random Dao Lords, not close friends or historians. I don’t know if they could even fully appreciate what you offer, let alone the fact of whether they deserve to benefit from your generosity or not.”

Eclipse seemed surprised by Lex’s words.

“And here I imagined you would have done anything to make your Innkeepers tea party more successful. Wouldn’t it have reflected better on your Innkeeper if the participants got more benefits? Yet here you are, trying to talk me out of it.”

Lex smiled weakly and shook his head.

“I’m not really trying to talk you out of it, I’m just sharing my genuine opinion,” he answered. “Besides, if you’ve held onto something like this for so long, I’m sure you had your reasons for it. I doubt it was so you could reveal it at a random tea party.”

Eclipse sighed, and let the Bag-Worm fall back into the oddly shaped rock.

“You’re right, but I have a reputation to uphold, you know,” she said, jumping down from the rock. “If I’m having guests over, I need to really wow them, you know? I would have shown off my garden, but since things broke, it’s not really in a position to show off anymore.”

Lex gulped, and looked around him. The Primordial Garden was extremely impressive no matter how he saw it, even without Eclipse pulling out any of the things she had tucked away.

“I suppose I’ll have to think of something else. Is that the letter from the Innkeeper?” she asked, walking up to Lex.

“Yes, he asked me to deliver it,” said Lex as he held out the letter with both hands. Lex’s formality only caused Eclipse to chuckle as she grabbed the letter, skimmed it, and then passed it onto Harriot.

“Well, please let him know that I look forward to seeing him. I have invited a couple of old friends as well, not to mention an enemy I have deigned not to kill for now,” Eclipse said with an expression of having something bitter in her mouth. “It should add to the festivities. I’ll keep their identities a secret for now – a good surprise always makes for a fun party.”

Lex’s weak smile widened, and grew into an awkward smile. He would have felt pity for the Innkeeper if circumstances were different. As it is, he only felt an uncertain dread.

“I’m sure the Innkeeper will greatly appreciate your efforts to contribute to the party,” said Lex.

Eclipse nodded.

“By the way, I heard you’ve been causing a lot of trouble lately,” Eclipse said, handing Lex the report that Harriot had provided her with. “I recommend you try to avoid attracting so much unnecessary attention. Immortals are so fragile, it would be a shame if you accidentally died.”

Only a Dao Lord could call an Immortal fragile. Then again, as he read the brief report, and began to understand exactly what Wu Kong had been doing during this time, he could not help but feel like things were getting out of hand.

He had only asked for some protection, not for him to go smash the proverbial hornets nest with a baseball bat. Or, well, in his case, smash it with a staff.

“Yeah, things might have gone a little overboard,” said Lex as he looked at the report with a frown. “Still, it’s not like I had a choice in the matter. I only asked for protection, not an all out war.”

Eclipse shook her head.

“Well, you better plan for some contingencies boy. Unless you become a Dao Lord quicker than anyone expects, there will eventually come a time that the Innkeeper will be too occupied to protect you. At that time, your survival may be at risk.”

Lex only nodded without answering. His situation was too complicated. There was only so much he could plan out in advance – many things he’d have to deal with as they came.

“Alright, you can go back now. I have to prepare the garden for guests so I won’t have time to keep you company,” said Eclipse, waving her hand as she walked away, giving Harriot instructions as she walked. Lex put away the report, and sighed.

Yeah, he really needed to improve the Innkeepers reputation during this tea party. The better he performed, the more time he would buy for himself.

After the party… well, it was too soon to plan for what might happen afterwards. Who knew what would happen during the party. Of course, if things went well, then Lex may focus on staying inside the Midnight Inn for once, focusing on his cultivation and avoiding going outside.

Before that, though, there was one more letter he needed to deliver. Gerard was already out delivering the card to a certain devil, so now the only guest left for Lex to invite was someone from the one and only bank he had a relationship with. They’d been pestering him for a meeting with the Innkeeper anyway. Might as well hit two birds with one stone.