Is the drainage channel curved, good sir?
What a spectacle!
Ron handed a bottle of tiger penis wine, wearing a wry smile as he uttered, "Mind your words, especially with the kids around, like Yaya."
"Her sister could easily break both your legs."
Upon hearing this, Rayleigh broke into a cold sweat and hastily remarked, "I should check on my eldest nephew. See you tomorrow."
With that, he set down a pile of berries, grabbed the tiger penis wine, and hurried out of the tavern.
"Why did that uncle leave?"
Tushan Yaya, who had just emptied a jar of wine, tilted her head in confusion.
"Maybe he forgot to turn off the gas at home," Ron replied with a smile.
Gas?
Tushan Yaya shook her furry ears, her puzzled expression adorable.
However, she was still too young. As she grew older, the focus would likely shift from her cuteness to being in front of her.
Hmm...the fur around my neck is very soft.
No, to be precise, the buttons should be really round.
Never mind.
She couldn't acquire any fur, let alone buttons.
"I should get going. Come for a drink next time."
Tushan Yaya rose from her chair, standing on tiptoes to look at Ron behind the bar.
"Can I take some wine with me?"
"Don't even think about it," Ron immediately refused.
"Why?" Tushan Yaya drooped her fox ears, sounding aggrieved.
Initially fierce, the little fox demon dared not lose her temper after Ron froze the wine. What if she ended up as an ice sculpture?
"The gourd behind you is an endless wine jug, and what you want to take isn't wine."
"This is my tavern, right?" Ron couldn't help but be amused and exasperated.
The Endless Flask was indeed an artifact.
Upon consuming the wine within, Tushan Yaya could unveil her nine tails—a truly exclusive magical weapon.
The catch?
This gourd resembled a black hole, capable of holding an unknown amount of wine. What if she stocked up on a year's supply and refrained from visiting the tavern in the future? Given Tushan Yaya's frequent presence, Tushan Honghong would undoubtedly become a regular, making the coveted Insulating Claws more accessible.
Caught in the act, Tushan Yaya blushed, hesitated, and confessed, "Actually... I didn't intend to take so much wine."
Ron gestured with two fingers, "Just two jars, no more."
"If you ever want more in the future, feel free to visit. You're always welcome in the pub."
"Alright then," Tushan Yaya lowered her head, her reluctant tone revealing her soft side.
"Never mind, make it four barrels."
Confronted with the Talisman of a cute girl with animal ears, Ron's heart softened.
"Really?"
Tushan Yaya's eyes sparkled; she leaped onto the bar, gently tapped Ron's waist with her hip, and exclaimed, "Deal!"
Ron's expression darkened.
Where did she pick up such phrases?
If Tushan Yaya recalled this moment in the future, sleep might elude her.
After pouring the four barrels into the endless wine pot, Tushan Yaya adopted an adult-like tone, patting Ron on the shoulder, "It's getting late; I should head out."
Ron smiled and playfully touched her ear, "Feel free to visit next time."
"Don't touch my ears!" Tushan Yaya blushed and hastily departed, as if fleeing.
Watching her petite figure vanish, Ron felt a twinge of disappointment.
Well...
The ears were undoubtedly enjoyable.
But Tushan Yaya's nine tails reigned supreme!
Just then, the system's mechanical beep echoed in Ron's mind: "[Ding, customer: Tushan Honghong has finished talking.]"
[Ding, customer: Damocles finally completed his visit.]
[Customer Tu Shanhonghong: Nine Tails Tianhu bloodline, Faxiang Tiandi... You can choose one of the abilities.]
[Customer Final Yandi: Dragon Physique, Dragon Magic, Forbidden Technique.... Host can choose one of the abilities.]
Ron murmured, "Opt for Nine Tails Sky Fox Physique, Forbidden Technique, and initiate fusion."
[Ding, commence blood optimization, address blood deficiency, begin fusion!]
As the voice subsided, a potent and commanding force surged into Ron's being. It felt as though a particular insignia had been etched into his blood. Within a minute, the blood fusion concluded, leaving Ron acutely aware of his heightened physical strength. Moreover, absorption of ambient magical power became notably swifter, signifying a continuous increase in Ron's physical prowess with each passing moment.
Under different circumstances, Ron contemplated engaging in a straightforward brawl with Tohru to gauge the true extent of his newfound strength. However, he swiftly dismissed the idea, recognizing the potential catastrophic consequences for the entire One-Piece world if he were to lose control.
Suddenly, an intrusion occurred in Ron's thoughts.
"Look back in time, peel off the soul, and forever chant the dragon's law..." A glimmer of surprise flickered in Ron's eyes.
This venture proved to be exceptionally lucrative, granting him access to a dozen dragon forbidden spells, each exhibiting a remarkable level of potency. Yet, their use came at a significant cost, demanding either the sacrifice of life, a living offering, or an instantaneous plunge into a near-death state. Unless absolutely necessary, Ron harbored reservations about employing these formidable spells.
Throughout the afternoon, the tavern remained devoid of customers. Undeterred, Ron delved into the study of forbidden spells, striving to amalgamate them with various dragon magics to birth novel abilities. As the sun set, casting the world into darkness, Ron continued his exploration into the night.
At that moment, Lucoa's languid, mature voice resounded, "Ron, your meal is ready."
"Tonight, we're having grilled oysters, stir-fried oysters with leeks, steamed oysters..."
Ron: "..."
Early the following morning, as Ron opened his eyes, his gaze fell upon floating Berry bills in the air. Shortly after, the alluring figure gracefully departed from the window, devoid of greetings or parting glances.
"What is that woman's perception of me?" Ron wondered aloud, happily counting the money. He then dressed and proceeded to the backyard for a wash before heading to the pub for breakfast.
Seated at the pub, Ron perused the newspaper as usual.
[Countdown! Beasts Pirates and Red Hair Pirates to fight in the New World in Three Days!]
[Celestial Dragons Berate Marines in Public, Celestial Dragons Showcase Unprecedented Combat Prowess, silencing with a Finger Snap, Serenading Birds with a Whisper! ]
Simultaneously, a verbose article expounded on Celestial Dragons, laden with sycophantic praise.
Before Ron could finish reading, the tavern door swung open. In walked Rayleigh, striding confidently with a pallid complexion and bloodshot eyes.
"Ron, bring out the wine!" Rayleigh demanded, taking a seat at the bar with a smile.
"You might want to pace yourself," Ron suggested with a grin. He then turned to the wine cabinet, producing a bottle and extending it to Rayleigh.
Just as Rayleigh was about to respond, the tavern door burst open again. Big Big Wolf rushed in excitedly.
"Boss, I've got the well-behaved broad beans for you."
"Whoever consumes the beans obeys the one who eats them."
Rayleigh: "!!!"