"The first Sage race?" Bridget asked, her brows furrowing. "I thought the Primals were the first Sage race. How come there is another one?"

This time, Ballom did not rush to answer, and instead turned to look towards the Primal among them. He was a director of the Versalis Bank, and clearly not someone to provoke. It would be unwise to say anything offensive so he was planning to switch to communicating with spirit sense.

The Primal, however, took this opportunity to distance himself from Eclipse and the others and approached Bridget.

"It's nothing too serious," the Director said. "It's a bit of a misunderstanding that has blown up into a whole conspiracy. You see, the Primals are the only ones who get to visit the ruins of Ascension, so they're naturally the ones who keep watch over the Ascension monument.

"As you may already know, there are many Primal's charged with observing the changes on the list, and then disseminating the information. But therein begins the problem. Although the monument records the Cosmic Ascension Spectrum, the monument itself is not the list. The monument is simply a powerful tool created by our forebears to resonate with the universe and show the list as the universe judges it.

"That, then, begins the first point of contention. Many claim that the monument isn't accurate, or isn't accurate enough. The issue is then further progressed because the list is constantly in flux, with races moving up and down all the time. While it's true that the changes are more common among weaker races than stronger ones, that fact in itself creates some issues.

"You see, the Primals don't directly publish any lists. Instead, they sell the updated information to various organisations which they then publish. But because of the differences in when the lists are published, and when the lists are sold, there are various versions of the list available. Some people have taken to saying that the Primals have taken to artificially dictating the places of the races to suit their needs rather than faithfully reporting it."

Though the Primal was speaking about a conspiracy theory against his own race, he maintained a congenial tone and attitude the entire time, as if he didn't

care.

"Everyone is free to believe what they wish - it makes no difference to us. Yet this conspiracy is the origin of the doubts about the actual rankings. Compared to the Primal race, which is very active in the universe, and has a wide presence, the mysterious and elusive Nullith race seems more fitting for first place according to some peoples perception. Well, I can't deny that their control over time makes them very dangerous. Maybe that's why everyone seems to think that we've falsely lowered their position and elevated ours." Understanding dawned on Bridget as she observed the legendary being called Nulli. It wasn't a straightforward matter, and there was no clear way of determining who was truly above or below when the difference was so little. "Regardless of the place, I must admit, this tea party has turned out to be far more dangerous than I ever imagined it could be," the Primal continued. "Ordinarily, it is incredibly difficult for a Dao Lord to encounter something that can damage their Dao even if they try.Yet this party is teeming with such threats.

"Starting from Sun Wu Kong, who is supposedly able to steal Daos, to the Primordial Queen and Ventura, onto a Dao Lord Sovereign, and a formidable one at that, with a legendary Nullith making an appearance as well. It seems the company that the Innkeeper keeps is extremely exclusive, and especially prominent."

Ballom chuckled, as if he found that statement amusing.

"The Innkeeper keeps the company of mortals and immortals, and whoever else visits his Inn," Ballom explained, since the Primal seemed not to be familiar with him. "This is more like collecting those of a similar status. Though, normally, the Innkeeper does not usually care about such things."

The Primal seemed to have anticipated such a response.

"My horizons have been broadened. I thought that as a Primal, I would be immune to the influence of prestigious company. As it turns out, I'd never truly experienced it before, which is why I never realized. To think, all of this excitement and the tea party hasn't even started yet. We've just witnessed the arrival of all the guests."

Bridget turned her head slightly, looking at the Primal.

"It seems to me like there should be one more guest arriving," she said, and then pointed towards Ventura, who was watching everything with a pleasant smile.

He was glad - he was incredibly glad that Eclipse was enjoying herself, shocking others with her guests, because now it would be his turn to shock her. Unaware of Ventura's thoughts, Eclipse brought Nullu to introduce her to the Innkeeper.

"Nulli, this is the Innkeeper. He's quite an interesting fellow, trying to copy the laws of my garden for a corner of his own realm. I thought it might not be so bad to meet him, and I'm not wrong so far!

Nulli needed no convincing of the Innkeeper's worth for she was looking at him as if she couldn't control herself. It was almost as if she wanted to leap up towards him and grab ahold.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," the Innkeeper said. "I hope you did not mind my joking remark."

Nulli laughed provocatively, revealing her long, deep blue neck as she did.

"Oh I'm quite open minded. If you want, we can head to a corner and you can crack a few more jokes while I try to do the same. We can see who comes out on top."

She winked at him, as if hinting at the hidden message in her words, yet the Innkeeper seemed entirely unbothered.

"Why go to a corner? I'm fine right here," he responded with a warm smile. Though there was no added wink from him, all the Dao Lords felt like he was

challenging her.

No matter what happened after this, one thing was certain. No one would accuse the Innkeeper of having no guts!

"Since you're done with your guests now," interrupted Ventura, not allowing the conversation to continue lest it become something too enticing, attracting all the attention. "I think it's my turn now. Allow me to bring in my guest as well. I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

Ventura raised his hands and clapped, creating a portal right beside him. All eyes turned towards the portal, waiting in anticipation. They were not disappointed.

The guest who emerged from the portal was not some world ending danger or calamity, breaking the theme Eclipse had set. He was, however, someone with extreme fame, to the point where almost everyone recognized him, and then drew cold breaths.

This... was it too late to leave the party?