Chapter 2834: with translation of chapter title

Ajiu's identity was naturally not exposed; the Demon Race's innate divine ability, even someone like Zhao Tianqing could not see through, let alone these ordinary human cultivators.

It was just an offhand remark; perhaps even the speaker didn't expect it, that his casual words actually hit the truth.

Wanting to break free from the crowd, but it was utterly impossible; on this wide main street there was simply no gap to slip away.

Ajiu could only follow the flow, surging all the way toward the Eight Immortals Tower, though he had already been cursing in his heart.

These Human Race are just sick; you damn lot don't cultivate, spending all day on nonsense.

As a Demon Race, Ajiu had also lurked among many races, but he had never seen any race in the Beyond the Heavens as absurd as the Human Race.

A simple tavern actually drives so many people crazy; those unaware might think some ancient relic had resurfaced.

Moreover, this Immortal City Beyond the Heavens—Ajiu wonders if half the Human Race isn't packed in here; how can it be so crowded?

His identity wasn't exposed, the mission hadn't failed, yet Ajiu now feels truly miserable in this Immortal City Beyond the Heavens, barely able to hold on.

No one in the city knows of Ajiu's existence; at this moment, the Eight Immortals Tower sees ever more people pouring in.

Seeing the crowd like a tidal wave, the tavern staff were already dumbfounded.

Although they exerted all their effort to maintain order, with so many people the tavern staff were indeed willing but unable.

They simply don't have that kind of capability.

In the end, it was the Heavenly Palace that sent people over, barely stabilizing the situation.

But this is only temporary; the many Human Race cultivators refuse to leave, having finally encountered Ye Zhangqing—who could bear not getting a bite?

So although the crowd isn't causing trouble, they're just blocking the Eight Immortals Tower outside, and Ye Zhangqing on the upper floor, facing this situation, is also momentarily unable to extricate himself.

At this moment, inside the upper floor are Ye Zhangqing and his companions, the Eight Immortals Tower proprietor, and that Heavenly Palace Celestial Official just met.

Seeing that Heavenly Palace Celestial Official look at Ye Zhangqing with a complex expression, he helplessly sighed and said.

"What's the meaning of this now?"

Weren't you just the one who explained the whole story to Ye Zhangqing a moment ago, and now you stir up such a commotion? Are you dissatisfied with not being tired enough, forcing him to up the intensity?

Facing the Celestial Official's speechlessness, Ye Zhangqing likewise replied with a helpless expression.

"I don't know either; I was invited in to sit, and then it ended up like this."

I really did nothing; I was just invited into the Eight Immortals Tower for a cup of tea, and then I couldn't get out.

Seeing this, the Celestial Official sighed deeply, wondering what to do now—outside a crowd has gathered, and even more people are on their way.

The Eight Immortals Tower is about to be wrapped up like dumplings.

After a long silence, the Celestial Official finally said helplessly.

"If they don't get a meal, these people probably won't leave."

"We can't possibly make food for that many people."

To this, Ye Zhangqing spoke frankly, joking, with so many people surrounding, when would we ever finish?

It's impossible to make a table for each person, and even if I could produce it, does the Eight Immortals Tower have that much space? We couldn't even sit them all.

After thinking, Ye Zhangqing spoke up.

"Let's auction it; I'll make only one table, highest bidder wins."

This is the best solution Ye Zhangqing could think of—easy and gives the outside crowd an explanation.

If you can't get it, don't blame anyone; blame yourself for having no money.

Hearing that, the Celestial Official thought it over and gave a slight nod, indicating agreement.

It seems there's really no other way.

Afterwards, Ye Zhangqing turned his gaze to the Eight Immortals Tower proprietor; noticing Ye Zhangqing's look, the proprietor hastily rose and bowed.

Shīzūn

I'm not your master, sigh, forget it—first handle the outside affairs; you take charge, remember to win over the crowd.

Yes, disciple understands.

Hearing that, the Eight Immortals Tower proprietor respectfully nodded in assent; his attitude was impeccably respectful, with no fault to find—only this old fellow isn't my disciple.

Watching the proprietor turn and leave, Ye Zhangqing helplessly shook his head and then said to that Celestial Official.

Is the Heavenly Palace short on money?

The meaning of that couldn't be clearer—given this situation, you Heavenly Palace still won't act? You're still thinking of collecting that little entry fee?

Although that entry fee indeed fills pockets to overflowing, you Heavenly Palace shouldn't be short of money, right?

Upon hearing that, the Celestial Official forced an unnatural smile and said.

"This free money—why not take it?"

Ha, aren't you afraid the Immortal City Beyond the Heavens will be squeezed to bursting?

No, everything remains under control.

Huh???

Ye Zhangqing felt he had still underestimated the entry fee of one thousand immortal crystals per person.

Unless it had reached an absolutely astronomical figure, the Heavenly Palace would certainly not be holding out so stubbornly.

It must be that the Heavenly Palace is making a killing, which is why it hasn't yet adopted the toughest measures.

In fact, Ye Zhangqing's thought is correct; in this short time, the Heavenly Palace's income from just the entry fee already equals over ten years of revenue—one can imagine the benefits involved.

Even these Celestial Officials, as well as the heavenly soldiers and generals, have gained considerable benefits.

So although they complain verbally, the affairs are tangled, they're exhausted, with no time to rest, yet these Celestial Officials and heavenly soldiers' bodily responses are quite honest.

With money to be made, what's a little hardship and fatigue? These few days' bitter earnings are already nearly matching what they'd make in half a year before.

Such heaven‑defying wealth—who would be willing to let go?

Seeing that Celestial Official's hesitant expression, Ye Zhangqing could guess with his toes what he was thinking.

Can't be bothered with more talk; anyway I'll just make one table of food, finish and leave—I haven't gone out these past few days.

At the same time, outside the Eight Immortals Tower, the shopkeeper was already standing half a meter in the void.

He naturally couldn't fly too high; the Heavenly Palace's rules are set like this, and at this height, it's already permitted by the Heavenly Palace.

Standing at this height is also so that the people around can see him clearly.

Just seeing so many people, the shopkeeper of the Eight Immortals Tower couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

This damn line has stretched all the way to the end of the street, huh?

That crowd, a dark mass spreading toward the distance, looks somewhat frightening.

Taking a deep breath, the shopkeeper of the Eight Immortals Tower spoke loudly, his voice transmitted through spiritual power, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Fellow Daoists, today the Master has graced the Eight Immortals Tower with his presence, and thanks to your support, I, on behalf of the Master, express my gratitude. The Master knows your intentions, but with so many people and conditions not allowing it, I have specially arranged an auction. Today the Master will prepare only one table of food; everyone present may bid, and the highest bidder wins."

The rule is simple and brutal, yet also fair: whoever has more money gets to eat, regardless of status or who you are, and Heavenly Palace powerhouses cannot participate.