Chapter 1899

Hearing Ye Zhangqing say he still wanted to ask Bai Yuan, Huang Lao's expression instantly turned strange.

You brat, still need to think about it?

Never would I have imagined encountering such a thing.

After living so many years, I actually have a day where I'm despised by someone?

You know, if Huang Lao were willing to be someone's Protector of the Way, all the major powers in the Immortal Realm would probably be so happy they'd break their pots and sell their iron just to grin ear to ear.

That threshold would probably get trampled flat by people.

But when it came to Ye Zhangqing, this old man even spoke up first; you brat, still need to think about it?

When cooking before, this brat didn't pay much attention, and now?

Huang Lao gave Ye Zhangqing a strange look and, out of the blue, said:

"You brat, are you serious?"

Facing Huang Lao's complex gaze, Ye Zhangqing returned the salute with clasped hands.

"The selection of a Protector of the Way is of great importance to us juniors; I hope you, senior, will understand."

"Huh??"

Seeing Ye Zhangqing's serious expression, Huang Lao knew this brat wasn't talking nonsense; he was genuinely considering it.

However, thinking about it, this brat doesn't even know his identity; likely someone told him about the importance of choosing a Protector of the Way, so his hesitation is quite normal.

Having lived so many years, Huang Lao has experienced plenty; he's seen all kinds of storms, so naturally he wouldn't let such a trivial matter make him act like a junior.

Just now, it had been who knows how many years since he'd encountered something like this, and Huang Lao felt a bit uneasy inside for a moment.

But now, slowly coming back to his senses, his mood returned to calm; he gave a self‑mocking chuckle, then spoke gently.

"It's normal for you to have this thought, brat; go ask Bai Yuan yourself. If he's willing, let him come find me."

Upon hearing that, Ye Zhangqing replied respectfully.

"Thank you, senior."

"Alright, I've eaten and drunk; I'm off now. Hope we have some fate, brat."

He rose, lightly patted Ye Zhangqing's shoulder, revealed a meaningful smile, and Huang Lao then vanished into Yuàn zhōng.

Ye Zhangqing naturally didn't know Huang Lao's identity, nor did he know how many people in the Immortal Realm were rushing to have Huang Lao as their Protector of the Way.

Not to mention the younger generation; even if you were a senior powerhouse, getting the chance to have Huang Lao as your Protector of the Way would surely make you overjoyed.

It's a pity, but as the saying goes, ignorance breeds fearlessness; this time Ye Zhangqing is like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers.

Anyway, not knowing who Huang Lao was or his status, after seeing him off Ye Zhangqing simply went back to his room and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

He spent the night silent, slept soundly, and until the next morning Huang Chong proactively prepared washing up for Ye Zhangqing.

Ye Zhangqing looked helplessly at Huang Chong and said.

"You don't need to do these things anymore."

"It's just a handy task, Shī xiōng; I........."

"Alright, just help me find a maid."

"Yes."

Huang Chong wanted to follow Ye Zhangqing closely, and Ye Zhangqing knew what he was thinking, so he interrupted him before he could finish.

Upon hearing that, Huang Chong first froze, then broke into an excited nod, agreeing repeatedly.

Naturally aware of the benefits of following Ye Zhangqing, it would definitely be a meteoric rise.

Even if he later left the Cooking King Immortal City, went to the Immortal Realm, and returned to the Huang family, relying on Ye Zhangqing's status as Young City Lord of the Cooking King Immortal City, Huang Chong's standing in the clan would surely rise.

Consequently, his parents' lives could improve as well.

After a quick wash, Ye Zhangqing left the courtyard, intending to go see Bai Yuan.

The matter of selecting a Protector of the Way was taken seriously by Ma Qiankun and Bai Yuan, and with last night's Huang Lao, Ye Zhangqing also intended to decide it as soon as possible.

Choosing a good one would do him no harm, and either way it would benefit him, so he naturally needed to put some thought into it.

As Young City Lord, Ye Zhangqing could move freely within the Cooking King Immortal City.

He easily met Bai Yuan; it was still that little courtyard, but in Yuàn zhōng besides Bai Yuan there was also an old man.

When Ye Zhangqing arrived, the two were sipping tea and chatting casually, appearing to be on very good terms.

"Please have a seat."

"You're Ye Zhangqing? Not bad."

Seeing Ye Zhangqing walk into the courtyard, Bai Yuan smiled and pointed to a nearby chair, while the old man also smiled and nodded, commenting "not bad."

After first offering salutations to both, Ye Zhangqing then took his seat, observing proper etiquette without lacking anything.

After seated, Bai Yuan was the first to ask.

"Coming over this early, any business?"

"Yes, I, as a disciple, wish to discuss with the city lord the matter of selecting a Protector of the Way."

Regarding that, Ye Zhangqing didn't waste words and went straight to the point.

He had come today precisely for the Protector of the Way selection; hearing that, Bai Yuan wasn't surprised, perhaps having already guessed it.

And the old man sitting beside Bai Yuan, upon hearing that, voluntarily interjected.

"How about I serve as your Protector of the Way, brat?"

This old man also held Ye Zhangqing in high regard; on a whim he volunteered himself.

Upon hearing the old man's words, Bai Yuan glanced at him and did not object.

Yesterday Bai Yuan personally went to request Huang Lao, but Huang Lao showed no interest; in Bai Yuan's view, trying to invite Huang Lao out would be too difficult, nearly impossible.

Even if the city lord stepped in, it probably wouldn't work.

In that case, it might be better to settle for second best; this old friend of his would also be an excellent choice.

Compared to an ordinary Immortal Emperor Realm Protector of the Way, my old friend is stronger, having reached the pinnacle of the Immortal Emperor Realm, with even half a foot already stepped beyond it.

He only lacks one opportunity to successfully break through.

Having him protect Ye Zhangqing would not be bad.

Thinking this, Bai Yuan briefly introduced his old friend's situation to Ye Zhangqing, his words full of recommendation.

Besides Huang Lao, my old friend is the most suitable.

Hearing Bai Yuan's words, Ye Zhangqing also thought this old man was not bad, first bowing and thanking him.

Then junior will have to trouble senior in the future.

Rest assured, with me here, you can go to most places in the Immortal Realm.

The selection of Protector of the Way is basically settled; Bai Yuan, although somewhat regretful about this arrangement, is still fairly satisfied.

It's a pity; such an existence as Huang Lao is indeed not to be hoped for.

However, during the subsequent conversation, Ye Zhangqing casually mentioned last night's events; hearing that someone had proactively come to the door last night, Bai Yuan frowned slightly and said.

You actively sought to become a Protector of the Way?

Doing this is somewhat improper; Bai Yuan felt somewhat displeased and secretly speculated.

I suppose someone heard about Ye Zhangqing's affairs, valued his potential, and thus planned to ingratiate themselves early to gain future benefits.

But being able to come to the door proactively, I'd guess they are merely an ordinary Immortal Emperor Realm cultivator, completely incomparable to my old friend.

He asked casually.

What did that person look like last night? Any distinctive features? Acting like this is somewhat improper.

Indeed, who would proactively come to the door.