Chapter 1847: Promotion to Formal Disciple

In the three rounds of competition, Ye Zhangqing's performance could be called perfect; at least Ma Qiankun thought so in his heart.

Moreover, compared to Zhao Qinglin, in the three rounds of competition Ye Zhangqing absolutely won with an overwhelming advantage.

The gap between them was visible to the naked eye, so as soon as the fire‑control trial ended, Ma Qiankun called a halt.

In his view, the competition had proceeded to this point with no need to continue.

Even if it continued, Zhao Qinglin had no chance of winning; in Ye Zhangqing's hands, Zhao Qinglin could only win if a miracle occurred.

But where in this world are there so many miracles?

Faced with Ma Qiankun's words, Zhao Qinglin felt immense reluctance and fear, yet had no way to respond.

Moreover, sensing Ma Qiankun's appreciative gaze toward Ye Zhangqing, Zhao Qinglin's heart sank to the bottom.

That gaze already explained everything, and such a result was absolutely not good news for Zhao Qinglin.

As expected, Ma Qiankun's next words made Zhao Qinglin's heart plummet instantly; he stood there stunned, as if struck by a bolt from the blue.

"Ye Zhangqing, from today you are a formal disciple; Zhao Qinglin, low talent and improper conduct, you are demoted to a named disciple."

Ye Zhangqing's promotion to formal disciple is nothing strange.

Given the cooking skill he just displayed, it would be strange if Ma Qiankun did not promote him to formal disciple.

But promoting Ye Zhangqing to formal disciple while demoting Zhao Qinglin to named disciple is quite another matter.

Ma Qiankun thereby told Ye Zhangqing outright that he could take any revenge on Zhao Qinglin he wished, with no problem.

The life or death of a named disciple is truly insignificant.

Even if the Zhao family later inquired, Ma Qiankun here has countless excuses and ways to get by, merely a bit troublesome.

Previously it was unnecessary, but now, for Ye Zhangqing, spending some effort to deal with the Zhao family is completely worthwhile for Ma Qiankun.

In short, Ye Zhangqing's value in Ma Qiankun's eyes has already surpassed Zhao Qinglin's.

Therefore, Zhao Qinglin was undoubtedly completely abandoned.

"Come to the main hall tomorrow to find me."

Having said that to Ye Zhangqing, Ma Qiankun rose and left; Ye Zhangqing merely returned a calm clasped‑hand salute.

As Ma Qiankun departed, the gazes of everyone present toward Ye Zhangqing were filled with envy, curiosity, and a hint of wariness.

Among them, some formal disciples stepped forward to chat with Ye Zhangqing.

Basically they were just being friendly, saying that from now on they would be fellow junior brothers and should look out for each other.

Also, they offered to help with anything needed, just a word away.

While speaking, their gazes unconsciously drifted to Zhao Qinglin; the meaning was clear—if Ye Zhangqing hesitated to act, they could handle it for him.

Ye Zhangqing merely laughed and brushed it off.

Zhao Qinglin naturally noticed the crowd's furtive looks, his teeth clenched grimly and his face darkened.

But at this moment he had no leisure to notice those; the urgent task was to quickly devise a means of self‑rescue.

Having lost the status of formal disciple, and given that Ye Zhangqing had undoubtedly caught Ma Qiankun's eye, he would likely be favored by Ma Qiankun thereafter.

With their positions reversed, Zhao Qinglin would find it hard to cope with Ye Zhangqing's retaliation.

Even if the other side wanted to kill him, he would have few means to resist.

Thus Zhao Qinglin said nothing, turned and left the courtyard, seeming to flee in defeat.

Faced with Zhao Qinglin's departure, Ye Zhangqing did not stop him, and others seeing that likewise did not intervene.

Afterwards a steward came and rearranged Ye Zhangqing's lodging.

As a formal disciple, he naturally no longer needed to stay in the named disciples' small courtyard; formal disciples each have their own separate quarters.

A single courtyard, though not large, is far superior in every aspect to that of a named disciple.

"Young Master Ye, this will be your residence in Cooking King Immortal City from now on; let me know if you need anything added, and I'll arrange it."

"Moreover, formal disciples may select three named disciples to attend to their food, clothing, and lodging; if you have someone in mind, just tell me and I'll arrange it."

The treatment of formal disciples is indeed much better; moreover, even if you have no status or background in the Immortal Realm, becoming a formal disciple suffices.

Cooking King Immortal City still offers various privileges.

For example, selecting three named disciples to look after food, clothing, and lodging is essentially no different from having servants.

Ye Zhangqing didn't mind that; he simply chose Huang Chong to come over.

Huang Chong is the only person I know in Cooking King Immortal City, and this kid had been good to me before.

Now that Ye Zhangqing has the ability, looking after him is no problem.

Hearing that, the steward asked no further questions, immediately nodded and said he would have Huang Chong come over shortly.

In the future, any task can be ordered of Huang Chong; if he slacks off or outright refuses, Cooking King Immortal City will punish him.

Of course, that situation does not actually exist, and Ye Zhangqing never imagined having Huang Chong serve as his personal attendant.

The steward then gave a few other instructions, did not linger long, and soon left.

Not long after, Huang Chong arrived at the courtyard, saw Ye Zhangqing, and performed a respectful salute, evidently knowing the etiquette.

"Junior Brother greets Elder Brother Ye."

"Enough, cut the formalities."

Hearing that, Ye Zhangqing laughed and scolded; seeing Ye Zhangqing smile, Huang Chong then grinned and inwardly relaxed.

He had never expected Ye Zhangqing to possess such superb cooking skill.

Recalling the things he had said to Ye Zhangqing's face before, Huang Chong now felt his face flush.

With such excellent cooking ability, why would he need to say those things to his face?

And to look after him? Pah—look, in the blink of an eye he's being looked after by Ye Zhangqing instead.

Those earlier remarks now look like empty boasting, really pointless.

Huang Chong's heart was full of feeling, but Ye Zhangqing gave it no further thought and casually remarked.

I'll stay in the east room; you can freely choose any other room you like and stay there.

Ye Zhangqing did not change his attitude toward Huang Chong just because he had become an official disciple.

While speaking, he remained casual and gentle, obviously not regarding Huang Chong as any sort of servant.

If people treat me with three parts, I give them seven back; this has always been Ye Zhangqing's principle of conduct.

Hearing this, Huang Chong broke into a big grin, nodded, and spoke with a smile.

"All right, Shī xiōng."