Chapter 2526: What could it all mean?

Hiran looked over when he heard his own name called out, simply because it was so rare that usually whoever did, did so with the intention of directly attracting his attention. What he saw, then, was so stunning that for a moment he didn’t react.

A random Celestial Immortal had uttered his title and name directly, right before suffering a heart attack! Before he could react, the bumbling reaction distracted Hiran long enough for the scene to repeat itself. When the second Celestial suffered a heart attack, he finally reacted and grabbed the letter from where it was.

He didn’t even need to open it – just looking at the handwriting on the envelope was enough for him to realize who had written it.

Hiran felt an urge to squeeze his temples. Really, all he had done was request that immortals don’t come and go in the realm. There was no need to react this way.

At least, Hiran was sure that the Innkeeper wasn’t actually displeased, and that this was all harmless fun.

He took a deep breath, mentally prepared himself for whatever was in store for him, and opened the letter. He had not mentally prepared enough.

’Respected Governor Hiran Kokan,

I write to you, first of all, with gratitude. Although it was not necessary to intercept the chocolates on my behalf, I understand and appreciate the gesture behind the act. Your consideration and thoughtfulness are the hallmarks of your character, as could be sensed by the remainder of the contents of your letter.’

Hiran breathed a sigh of relief when he reached this point. This was high praise coming from the Innkeeper. It was good to have his efforts appreciated. He also noticed that the Innkeeper had started the letter in a very similar fashion to his own letter, which he took as an acknowledgment of his intentions. That also meant that the critical information was upcoming, so he resumed reading with renewed vigor.

’As you surely already know, the universe is a dangerous place for Immature realms at the moment, which is why I shall be taking my realm into hiding…’

Hiran nodded. Yes he already knew that, and the Innkeeper really was writing in the exact same format as his own letter. That made him feel relieved, reassuring him that the Innkeeper hadn’t minded the letter Hiran had sent. Maybe, in the future, they could be pen pals.

’… shall be taking my realm into hiding. Of course, it is not the attention of the universe I fear, nor is it the hidden danger within the Void capable of completely and unavoidably destroying Major realms that concern me…’

Hiran blinked. He physically blinked his eyes, and then read that part again. What? When he read the line again and found that it was real, he suddenly stood up from his chair, his hairless body suddenly experiencing goosebumps as he continued to read gripped with a feeling of abject horror.

’…destroying Major realms that concern me, but the potential disruption of my business.

Thus, the Midnight Inn has decided to enhance its protection by hiding the realm from the Void completely to avoid any mishap. I suspect that in the coming years, some may try to replicate me.’

"Dammit, so the Innkeeper is the one who taught the Qilin how to make their realms disappear!" Hiran exclaimed as he connected the disappearance of the Midnight realm to the disappearance of the hijacked Major realm that had recently occurred. Naturally, Hiran knew a bit more about the details than the general public.

But what could their connection be? Were they hiding from other organizations, or was the actual purpose… to avoid this unknown danger the Innkeeper had mentioned.

Hiran felt like crying as he read the words’as you surely already know’. No, he didn’t know! Elaborate! Please, Innkeeper, elaborate on what you mean!

Of course, Hiran wasn’t undignified enough to actually utter those words out loud, but those were his inner thoughts. He quickly resumed reading in the hopes that maybe there was some explanation later on.

’I am relieved to hear that the Primordial Queen has taken a step towards the next realm, and that the Divine Ruler is aware of it. With them cooperating, I can be at complete ease and leave this hidden danger in their capable hands. Perhaps together, they will find a way to deal with it.

I would also like to show my appreciation for your permission to continue using taverns to connect to the Origin realm during this time. I will ensure that no Immortals exit the Inn to the Origin realm, and will leave you to take care of admission rights on your side of things.

Finally, I would like to conclude by wishing you great success and luck in your endeavors. During these uncertain and changing times, may you face no obstacles and smoothly complete your preparations for the years up ahead.

Respected Regards,

The Innkeeper of

The Midnight Inn.’

At first, Hiran breathed a sigh of relief as he read the rest of the letter and found no other major shocker. Now he just needed to figure out what that danger that the Innkeeper mentioned was. He may need to show this letter to the Divine Ruler.

Then he suddenly narrowed his eyes and read the last paragraph again. Why did it seem so suspicious? Did the Innkeeper know what it was they were trying to do inside the Origin realm? How was that possible? Why would he need luck to succeed? Weren’t his preparations enough?

Suddenly alarm bells began to ring in Hiran’s head as he dissected the meaning of the letter more thoroughly than a high school literature teacher.

Why did he say he needed to make preparations for the upcoming years? Did that mean that the things they’d already prepared weren’t sufficient? Had the Innkeeper seen some ominous future? Or did he know some secret?

Wait a minute, he mentioned dangers to an Immature realm, and dangers to a Mature realm. Was the transition he mentioned not the one of the universe, but that of his realm? Did that mean…

Hiran didn’t actually know what that could mean, and that caused him to start sweating.