Chapter 1789: Who dares to move?

This matter is settled like that; I'll go meet this Ye Zhangqing.

The Hall Master of the Hall of Longevity completely disregarded others' opinions, stood up directly and was about to walk out the door. Seeing this situation, the Fifth Elder anxiously stood up and shouted.

"Hall Master Bai Li, please wait a moment!"

"Hmm? What's the matter, Fifth Elder?"

"Hall Master Bai Li, this Ye Zhangqing is one of our Guo Family; doing this seems not quite in line with the rules."

The Fifth Elder certainly wouldn't just stand by and watch Ye Zhangqing be snatched away by Hall Master Bai Li, but upon hearing this, Hall Master Bai Li turned his head, gave the Fifth Elder an innocent look, and asked.

"Oh, he's from your Guo Family? Could it be that I've misremembered, and his surname is Guo?"

"No, Ye Zhangqing doesn't have the Guo surname, but after all he was first discovered by our Guo Family, Hall Master Bai Li, you..."

The Fifth Elder was about to speak, "Hall Master Bai Li, isn't this a bit inappropriate? Our Guo Family went to great lengths to find Ye Zhangqing, yet you now want to forcibly take him away—this doesn't seem to follow the rules."

After all, our Guo Family is also a prominent clan; we can't just let you bully us like this.

Moreover, this Ye Zhangqing was brought by me personally; if he's gone, I won't be able to explain to the family when I return, and I might face severe punishment.

So please show mercy and let us take him away.

However, before the Fifth Elder could finish speaking, Hall Master Bai Li impatiently interrupted him.

"Fifth Elder, you've misspoken. Since Ye Zhangqing chose to become a Spirit Chef, he is clearly better suited to join our Hall of Longevity. Moreover, he is not a member of your Guo Family, so what right do you have to stop him?"

Hearing this, the Fifth Elder's heart sank, knowing the situation had become tricky. But he still unwillingly wanted to continue arguing, so he had just said

"But......"

and was again rudely interrupted by Hall Master Bai Li.

"In my view, let Ye Zhangqing decide for himself; if he wishes to stay with the Guo Family, I have nothing to say, but if he wishes to join my Hall of Longevity, then my Hall of Longevity will naturally not allow anyone to intervene."

Hall Master Bai Li's expression remained calm, but his words struck like a heavy hammer on the Fifth Elder's chest, instantly making his face turn grim.

He had originally thought that as long as the Guo Family stepped forward, he could easily recruit Ye Zhangqing. However, looking at it now, things are far from that simple.

"This..."

The Fifth Elder widened his eyes, his face full of shock.

He opened his mouth, wanting to rebut, but for a moment he didn't know where to begin.

Meanwhile, Hall Master Bai Li's attitude had become quite clear.

If before he still harbored a slight doubt about Ye Zhangqing's Chúyì, after tasting it himself, the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished.

At this moment, Hall Master Bai Li had no hesitation whatsoever; after his words fell, he also gave Steward Li a deep look, his eyes showing satisfaction.

What Steward Li told me yesterday was indeed without any exaggeration; this matter has been handled exceptionally well.

As soon as his words fell, Hall Master Bai Li no longer paid attention to the Fifth Elder, strode out of the room, and went to seek Ye Zhangqing.

He wanted to personally talk with Ye Zhangqing, understand his thoughts, and do his best to recruit him into the Hall of Longevity.

In Hall Master Bai Li's heart, he had made up his mind; no matter the cost, he must find a way to lure Ye Zhangqing to his side.

Because this young man's value is practically a perfect match for the Hall of Longevity.

So young yet possessing such outstanding Chúyì, if properly nurtured, his future will be limitless.

"Hall Master Bai Li......"

The Fifth Elder kept shouting from behind, but this time Hall Master Bai Li didn't even glance at him, walking straight out of the room.

Watching Hall Master Bai Li's retreating back, the Fifth Elder felt utterly helpless, and at the same time gave Steward Li a fierce glare, as if blaming him for bringing all this trouble.

However, facing the Fifth Elder's angry glare, Steward Li merely smirked, utterly indifferent to the reaction. After all, 'look out for number one, or heaven will destroy and earth will annihilate'—a principle he knew all too well.

Seeing Hall Master Bai Li stride straight toward Ye Zhangqing's room, the Fifth Elder, though angry, had no time to think further and hurried after him.

He secretly resented, 'How could this old coot just show up here directly?' And now what to do? He didn't even know when his clan brother would arrive.

As for Steward Li behind, he walked at a leisurely pace to follow.

He felt smug, having timely summoned the Hall Master, catching the Fifth Elder off guard—it was most satisfying.

Now the other Guo Family members haven't arrived yet; taking this opportunity, the Hall Master personally stepping in gives a great chance to poach Ye Zhangqing.

Steward Li thought this way, feeling the matter was a sure thing.

The three of them successively left the cookhouse, and soon they saw Ye Zhangqing, who was leaning on a Tǎng yǐ to rest. Upon suddenly seeing someone enter, he first froze, then looked at them quizzically.

Seeing Hall Master Bai Li leading the way, rushing over, Ye Zhangqing couldn't help but show a puzzled expression and asked.

"This senior is......"

He felt completely at a loss about what was happening before him, let alone knowing this Hall Master Bai Li.

However, when Ye Zhangqing looked at the swiftly approaching Hall Master Bai Li, the other's fervent gaze made him feel oddly familiar, yet at the same time a chill rose from his core, making him feel ill at ease.

Such a gaze was...... how to describe it? Just like the men who enter the Gōulán, eyeing the top courtesans with the same look.

But I have no interest in that at all; I'm not into that.

Just as Ye Zhangqing was about to speak, Hall Master Bai Li couldn't wait, took three big steps, and in an instant stood before him.

Next, he first carefully examined Ye Zhangqing from head to toe, then smirked with a satisfied smile and praised.

"So you're Ye Zhangqing after all! Not bad, indeed you are dignified and outstanding, a remarkable talent."

After Hall Master Bai Li's words fell, the Fifth Elder also hurried forward and said.

"Hall Master Bai Li, this is truly inappropriate."

But Hall Master Bai Li simply ignored his meaning, his eyes only on Ye Zhangqing, and directly spoke.

"Kid, since you're a Spirit Chef, you should naturally join my Hall of Longevity; what's the point of staying in the Guo Family? Come to my Hall of Longevity, put forward any conditions you like—I'll agree to whatever I can fulfill. How about that? Later I can even impart to you the Immortal Realm's Chúyì."

Hall Master Bai Li, as soon as he opened his mouth, began poaching; hearing this, the Fifth Elder's face turned completely black, his teeth grinding, but before he could speak, a voice suddenly rang out.

"I'd like to see who dares."