At this moment, the yellow-shirted youth received a slap from Ding Fan, causing his face to sting intensely. He was filled with fury, but he knew he was not yet a match for his opponent. This grudge he would not forget. After all, he was an alchemist invited by Dancheng. Someone dared to brazenly strike him, and he believed Dancheng would surely give him an explanation.

The middle-aged man at the inn's counter had furrowed his brow upon seeing the yellow-shirted youth, clearly hoping no unpleasant incidents would occur at his inn. On one hand, he faced a respected alchemist invited by Dancheng; on the other, a young alchemist with limitless potential. Hence, he did not wish to oppose anyone.

When the middle-aged man saw Ding Fan slap the yellow-shirted youth directly, he was taken aback. The yellow-shirted youth was a revered alchemist invited by Dancheng, yet now he was slapped in the middle of the inn by someone.

This fellow is indeed too bold! To slap someone invited by Dancheng so outright? That is rather impulsive.

Seeing this scene, the middle-aged man couldn't help but feel very sorry for Ding Fan. Although Ding Fan was young and already an alchemist, clearly possessing outstanding talent, he was still too impulsive. Offending and even striking an alchemist invited by Dancheng amounts to opposing Dancheng.

After all, this is Dancheng. No matter how capable you are, you cannot possibly be a match for Dancheng. What a pity...

The middle-aged man couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for Ding Fan.

Upon hearing the yellow-shirted youth's final words, the middle-aged man clearly understood. The youth indeed should not be in this inn, and the middle-aged man knew he could no longer stay neutral. The young cultivator had already beaten the yellow-shirted youth, and the middle-aged man also knew the youth's words merited being hit.

Yet the middle-aged man knew that, as the inn's owner, he had to consider Dancheng's official stance. An alchemist invited by Dancheng had been slapped in his inn, and siding with outsiders was clearly impossible.

"Youth, it's best to leave quickly. Without an invitation, you cannot enter the inn."

The middle-aged innkeeper said to Ding Fan, slightly coldly, indicating that he was taking a stance.

Upon hearing the middle-aged man's words, Gao Lian felt a surge of pride. He coldly eyed Ding Fan and disdainfully said:

"Did you hear? You'll never enter this inn, not in your lifetime!"

He Qianyao, hearing the other's words, was filled with anger. She had not anticipated the other would turn into such a despicable person, though she could not understand the reason for the change. Was it because of herself?

No, it couldn't be!

He Qianyao understood clearly that when Gao Lian was in the sect, his nature was somewhat restrained due to the sect's regulations. Even if his change had something to do with her, his own issues were greater. Clearly, everyone's life is theirs alone to journey through, having little to do with others!

At this moment, upon hearing the other's words, He Qianyao looked at Ding Fan, unsure of what to do. She did not wish Ding Fan to act rashly, but knowing Ding Fan well, she did not worry about this; Ding Fan was not one to resolve issues with mere violence, and he was not impulsive.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were on Ding Fan, including cultivators watching from not far from the inn. Their gazes were filled with pity. They had witnessed it all; without an invitation, he would definitely not enter the inn.

"It seems he'll have to leave in shame! Though he slapped that young man, it's just for appearance's sake."

"Indeed, he'll have to repay that slap sooner or later. After all, the youth is an alchemist invited by Dancheng. How can this end here?"

"He might never enter this inn, even in a next life! Perhaps that person was right!"

"Certainly, cultivators dread humiliation. If it remains unresolved, it can turn into a heart demon, hindering their cultivation."

"..."

For a moment, everyone began to discuss, clearly skeptical of Ding Fan and his companion's chances of ever entering the inn. Some cultivators worried that this might become Ding Fan's heart demon and affect his cultivation.

The yellow-shirted youth faintly overheard the people's discussions and was deeply pained, knowing most cultivators were not optimistic about Ding Fan's chances, especially as they scorned Ding Fan for coming without an invitation and humiliating himself. How foolish!

Gao Lian heard these cultivators' discussions and felt even more triumphant, even alleviating the pain on his face. With a look of triumph, he imagined Ding Fan leaving in disgrace. He intended to transfer all grievances he felt from the Dayang Sect onto He Qianyao.

The middle-aged innkeeper observed Ding Fan, who seemed not intent on leaving. Just as the innkeeper considered issuing another expulsion order, Ding Fan suddenly took out a jade plate from his chest.

The jade plate was crystal clear, instantly recognizable as something exceptional, and the most important thing to the innkeeper was the large character in the middle of it — "Dan."

The middle-aged man, who was the innkeeper, was thoroughly shocked upon seeing the jade plate. This type of jade plate was scarce throughout Dancheng, certainly no more than five in total; it was the highest symbol of the City Lord Mansion in Dancheng. The mere thought that it was in the young man's possession was utterly unbelievable!

The innkeeper knew well that such a jade plate couldn't be owned by an ordinary cultivator. It must belong to someone with incredibly high cultivation and significant status, especially in Dancheng, hence no possibility of misplacement or loss. Clearly, he had already concluded that the jade plate belonged to the young man.

Seeing Ding Fan pull out the jade plate, the innkeeper rushed forward before Ding Fan could speak, apologizing with utmost respect:

"I apologize for any offense earlier, it was foolish of me. You and your companion may enter the inn at any time, and I will prepare the finest room for both of you, the most distinguished and best in our inn!"

Upon hearing the innkeeper's words, Ding Fan was momentarily stunned. He knew the innkeeper's change in attitude was due to the jade plate. Subsequently, Ding Fan replied calmly:

"Two rooms, but I don't want to see this person. Ensure I don't see this guy in the inn as much as possible."

Ding Fan spoke lightly, simultaneously pointing casually at the yellow-robed youth. To Ding Fan, the youth was merely a minor underling, insignificant and not worth his concern, and he certainly did not want to see him again for fear he might impulsively kill him by mistake.

Ding Fan could tell the youth had some unresolved issue with He Qianyao but had no real conflict with Ding Fan himself. As long as the youth didn't harm He Qianyao or cause trouble for her, Ding Fan had no reason to kill him, as he wasn't a person driven by bloodlust.

The yellow-robed young man's heart sank, bewildered by the sudden agreement of the innkeeper, allowing Ding Fan to stay and even arranging the best room in the inn. The swift change was astonishing!

For a moment, the young man's face was filled with shock, unable to fathom what had transpired.

Just a moment ago, he was sure Ding Fan would be sent packing in disgrace, yet now he not only gained entry to the inn's finest room, but even demanded the young man leave — it was all too theatrical!

It wasn't just the yellow-robed youth who was taken aback; the onlookers were equally stunned, unable to comprehend the innkeeper's actions.

Evidently, the crowd, including the yellow-robed youth Gao Lian, didn't recognize the jade plate Ding Fan held, but the seasoned innkeeper clearly understood its significance. The jade plate could essentially represent all of Dancheng — any words spoken by its holder were undeniable commands, especially in Dancheng.

Ding Fan's orders were absolutely effective. The middle-aged innkeeper, having heard Ding Fan's words, dared not question them in the slightest, quickly responded submissively:

"Understood, we will follow your instructions, Young Master."

The innkeeper answered Ding Fan solemnly, as if executing an order, devoid of any resistance, even his merchant's customary smile had disappeared.

Then, the innkeeper turned to the yellow-robed youth and said:

"Cultivator, you have half an hour to leave the inn immediately, or suffer the consequences!"

The innkeeper spoke coldly to the yellow-robed youth, his tone unwavering, admitting no doubt or resisting.

The yellow-robed youth was dumbfounded at this sight, unable to grasp the reality - was there a mistake? He was an invited alchemist by Dancheng, with an invitation as an alchemist, yet he was being expelled, which was utterly inconceivable!

For a moment, the youth was filled with grievance, retorting discontentedly:

"I am a Dancheng-invited alchemist, why am I being expelled? Who is he, and what right does he have to stay at the inn?"

The innkeeper's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing the youth's words, impatient with his babbling. He knew well that leaving a bad impression on the holder of the jade plate would be a disastrous affair.

The innkeeper, aware of his standing, expressed firmly and coldly:

"That's the young man's own business, you have no right to know. But here's a piece of advice: that young master is the most esteemed guest in Dancheng, so leave immediately if you know what's best!"

Witnessing this scene, the crowd was utterly astounded!