Chapter 1896: Huang Lao

There was no chance to retain Bai Yuan at all; before he could speak, the two Deputy City Lords had already vanished inside the hall.

Only a spatial rift that was slowly healing remained.

The corner of his mouth twitched, his face darkened, and Bai Yuan snapped angrily.

"They're all damn ungrateful bastards."

Their action already showed their attitude, accepting Bai Yuan's proposal.

However, the two were unwilling to seek Huang Lao, so they left this task to Bai Yuan alone.

In fact, according to Bai Yuan's idea, he wanted all three of them to go together.

After all, with the three Deputy City Lords of Cooking King Immortal City jointly making the request, it would show more sincerity, and Huang Lao's chance of agreeing would be greater.

But now, these two old fogeys simply wouldn't give him a chance to say those words; they said they'd leave and just left.

From start to finish, there was not a hint of hesitation—damn it, truly when disaster strikes, each flies off on their own.

After cursing under his breath a few times, Bai Yuan felt helpless; after all, this person was his choice, so he could only grit his teeth and proceed.

First go test Huang Lao's intention, see if there's any chance.

Even Bai Yuan had figured it out: if he himself lacked the weight, he could only wait until the next time Cooking King Immortal City connects with the Immortal Realm, when the City Lord returns from the Immortal Realm to personally make the request.

Anyway, during this period Ye Zhangqing couldn't leave Cooking King Immortal City, so safety shouldn't be a concern.

In Bai Yuan's view, Huang Lao was indeed the most suitable Protector of the Way for Ye Zhangqing, and there was still a chance Huang Lao would agree.

After all, Ye Zhangqing's culinary skill is truly outstanding, and the dishes he makes are quite novel, at least very different from those of Cooking King Immortal City.

For Huang Lao, who loves food all his life, this might be an irresistible temptation.

But everything still depends on him first sounding out Huang Lao's intention.

Thinking this through, Bai Yuan hesitated no longer, immediately leaving the main hall and heading toward a separate small world inside it.

Inside the main hall of Cooking King Immortal City, there are numerous entrances leading to different small worlds.

If the areas of all these small worlds were added together, they'd likely exceed the size of Cooking King Immortal City by over a hundredfold.

Bai Yuan wasn't visiting Huang Lao for the first time; at the entrance he still gave notice first and did not barge in.

After receiving a response from the other side, Bai Yuan then respectfully entered this small world.

This small world is quite large, with mountains and water, and even far off one can see an endless expanse of ocean.

And on a small island in the middle of the sea lies Huang Lao's dwelling.

Green mountains, clear waters, white clouds, blue sky—when Bai Yuan appeared.

An old man wearing a straw hat and dressed in a white hemp robe was sitting by the sea, fishing.

The old man's attire was simple, yet it gave off an aura of nobility.

It was as if this utterly ordinary garment, once on the old man, instantly became a peerless treasure, no longer a mundane item.

This old man was naturally the Huang Lao Bai Yuan spoke of; as Bai Yuan appeared, Huang Lao Tou, without turning back, asked.

"You brat, how do you have time to come here?"

His words were casual, but upon hearing them, Bai Yuan respectfully performed a salute.

"Junior came specially to visit Senior; it's been a long time since I last paid my respects, and today is just..............."

"Alright, you brat, I'm not unaware; you always only show up when there's something to gain, never visiting the Three Treasures Hall for no reason—do you really come just to pay respects?"

"Just say it straight—what's the matter?"

Huang Lao has stayed in Cooking King Immortal City for quite a while; aside from leaving when the Immortal Realm connects and he has business, he basically lives there a leisurely, carefree life like a wild crane among the clouds.

Moreover, because he rarely appears publicly and keeps a low profile, very few in Cooking King Immortal City truly know Huang Lao.

Often, when idle and strolling through the city, no one recognizes Huang Lao; they merely assume he's another Immortal Realm cultivator temporarily staying in Cooking King Immortal City.

Having his thoughts exposed by Huang Lao's single sentence, Bai Yuan felt a bit embarrassed, but quickly regained his composure and cautiously probed.

"Senior, you're still just as before—your foresight is divine."

"If you have something to say, say it; if you have a fart, let it out; otherwise, get lost."

Unfortunately, faced with Bai Yuan's flattery, Huang Lao wouldn't have any of it, speaking bluntly.

Having come this far in the conversation, Bai Yuan could only steel himself and say.

"Senior, I won't hide it; I've come this time mainly because Cooking King Immortal City has just gained a fourth Young City Lord."

"You Cooking King Immortal City have more Young City Lords—why come to me? If you need something, go find that brat Mo You."

The Mo You Huang Lao referred to is the City Lord of Cooking King Immortal City.

Upon hearing this, Bai Yuan paused, then continued.

"What you say is true, but the reason I came here is still because only you can handle this matter."

"Huh???"

"With an extra Young City Lord, what matter absolutely requires him to handle it?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Lao, who had been motionless like an old monk in meditation, finally turned his head for the first time to look at Bai Yuan.

As Huang Lao turned his head, Bai Yuan finally saw his full face.

Although he had white hair, his skin was ruddy, especially his eyes, which were extremely bright.

At a glance, one feels no trace of old age or frailty.

Although Huang Lao has lived for who knows how many years, compared to him and City Lord Mo You, he is several generations older.

Faced with Huang Lao's gaze, Bai Yuan also forced himself to stay calm.

After Huang Lao had looked Bai Yuan up and down, he finally spoke slowly.

"You brat, you wouldn't be trying to get me to act as a Protector of the Way, would you?"

"You guessed it?" Upon hearing this, Bai Yuan startled, but since that was indeed the case, he simply nodded in agreement.

"Junior indeed has this intention; I didn't expect a single word from Senior to.................."

"You little brat, you really want me to be the Protector of the Way?"

He had only spoken halfway when Huang Lao directly interrupted him, and all that could be seen was Huang Lao staring at Bai Yuan with a strange expression.

He felt somewhat suspicious.

This brat really dares to think, actually daring to let him be the Protector of the Way; after so many years in the Cooking King Immortal City, when has he, Huang Mou, ever been anyone's Protector of the Way?

Do these little brats deserve to let him be the Protector of the Way?

Bai Yuan's idea left him somewhat dazed; after coming to his senses, Huang Lao then spoke somewhat wistfully.

"You little brat, you really dare to think, letting me be the Protector of the Way—do you know how many people want me to be the Protector of the Way?"

"Those top few families offer prices that your Cooking King Immortal City cannot afford, yet you see me—when have I ever gone to be anyone's Protector of the Way?"

"You little brat, you really dare to think."

Huang Lao was somewhat speechless; Bai Yuan's boldness keeps growing, even daring to ponder such matters.

As his words fell, without waiting for Bai Yuan's reply, Huang Lao wanted to turn his head and simultaneously prepare to issue the expulsion order.