The next day dawned quietly, the bustle of Three Union City muted by distance and early hour. Pale sunlight filtered through drifting clouds, illuminating the outer districts where the noise of celebration preparations had yet to fully reach.
Lin Mu was in the courtyard of the Monarch Wing Inn when Daoist Chu and Meng Bai finally returned.
One look at their faces told him they had succeeded, though not without trouble.
"We found a place," Daoist Chu said, rubbing his temples lightly. "But it took far longer than it should have."
Meng Bai looked exhausted but relieved. "The whole night. We didn't stop."
Lin Mu raised a brow. "Booked out?"
"Some," Meng Bai replied. "But that wasn't the main problem."
Daoist Chu sighed. "Beast kin."
Elyon, who had been leaning against a pillar with his arms folded, straightened slightly. "They refused again?"
"Yes," Daoist Chu said. "Flat refusals. Even when we offered triple the asking price."
Lin Mu frowned. "Directly?"
