Chapter 1902

Bai Yuan's heart was filled with endless grievance, secretly pondering.

"This is clearly the trouble you yourself caused, old sir; what does it have to do with me?"

However, he dared not readily show these thoughts, so he could only stand there with a face full of grievance, lips tightly shut, saying nothing.

After all, if he didn't know how to respond, staying silent might be the wisest choice.

At this moment, Bai Yuan's face showed an expression of weariness and utter resignation, as if he were indifferent to everything happening around him.

Seeing him like that, Huang Lao stopped teasing him further.

Actually, Huang Lao's attitude mainly stemmed from the fact that just now, that reckless Li family brat dared to aspire to become Ye Zhangqing's Protector of the Way, which truly made Huang Lao quite displeased.

Especially since Ye Zhangqing agreed without hesitation, this further fueled Huang Lao's displeasure.

You should know that when facing himself, Ye Zhangqing always appears hesitant; yet with that Li family brat, he can readily agree.

Could it be that he, Huang, is no better than that wet-nosed Li brat? Back in his day, Huang Lao roamed the Immortal Realm with mighty vigor, while that Li brat was probably still in swaddling clothes, crying for milk.

Now he dares to compete with me—utterly overestimating himself!

Thinking this, Huang Lao let out a cold snort and said.

"Hmph, a grand Deputy City Lord putting on a delicate maiden's airs here—never mind, never mind; I'll take over as Ye Zhangqing's Protector of the Way, and you handle the details."

Hearing Huang Lao's words, Bai Yuan promptly replied respectfully.

"Yes."

After hearing that, Bai Yuan dared not delay in the slightest, quickly nodding his agreement.

Although he had just been slightly teased by Huang Lao, the outcome was still quite good.

All he saw was Huang Lao casually waving his hand, indicating Bai Yuan could leave.

Seeing that, Bai Yuan obediently and sensibly turned and left Bin Hai Jie.

At this moment he was still unaware that, not long ago, Huang Lao had officially become Ye Zhangqing's Protector of the Way.

Meanwhile, the youth and Hei Lao, after finishing their meal, were leisurely sitting together sipping tea and chatting.

The old and young sat opposite each other, the atmosphere relaxed and harmonious.

Yet both firmly believed that someone as venerable and unfathomably powerful as Huang Lao could never easily serve as anyone's Protector of the Way.

As the two were chatting cheerfully, the youth suddenly blurted out.

Now that this Ye brat has been promoted to Fourth Young City Lord, as his Shī xiōng I ought to go pay him a visit.

Hei Lao, upon hearing this, merely glanced sideways at the youth beside him, the corner of his mouth slightly lifting in a half-smile, but he did not refute.

After all, in this Cooking King Immortal City, including Ye Zhangqing, there are currently four Young City Lords in total.

As the saying goes, one mountain cannot hold two tigers, let alone four "fierce tigers" here; sharing the Young City Lord seat, the four naturally have a fierce competitive relationship.

It is obvious that the youth's words conceal the intention to give the newly risen Ye Zhangqing a show of force, letting him know he is not to be trifled with.

And as his Protector of the Way, he naturally had no reason to refuse, since he and the youth are in the same boat—shared honor, shared loss.

Seeing Hei Lao nod in agreement, the youth instantly beamed, his mouth stretching wide to reveal a neat row of white teeth, as if sunshine were infected by his smile and grew brighter.

That very evening, the sunset was like blood, dyeing the horizon a deep red.

The youth strode with steady steps, swift as a gentle breeze, arriving at the gate of Heaven-Earth Fire Hall.

Before he could even speak to announce himself, someone inside had already heard the news and rushed out to greet him.

It turned out that upon learning of the youth's august arrival, even Hall Master Ma Qiankun dared not delay, personally going out to welcome him.

When Ma Qiankun saw before him this youth of noble bearing and graceful manner, he hurried forward, smiling broadly and clasping his hands in salute.

"Oh dear, it turns out the Young City Lord himself has graced us with his presence—truly it brings glory to my humble Heaven-Earth Fire Hall."

Seeing this, the youth quickly reached out to support him, smiling as he spoke.

"Elder Ma, you're too polite; today I came specially to your hall mainly to visit my junior brother Ye, hearing he passed the Young City Lord examination and became our Cooking King Immortal City's Fourth Young City Lord—such happy news, how could I not come to congratulate him in person?"

Although he said he came to congratulate, Ma Qiankun could not miss the hidden meaning in those words; he secretly pondered.

"Judging by this posture, this Young City Lord is likely up to no good..."

Nevertheless, although he clearly saw the youth's motives were not pure, the visitor was after all of noble status and had personally come to pay a visit; even if he wanted to stop him, he could not immediately find a suitable excuse.

Just as Ma Qiankun racked his brains over how to respond, the youth gave him no time to think, flicked his sleeve, and threw down a line.

"No problem, as the Young City Lord I am close with Junior Brother Ye; there's no need to trouble Elder Ma with notification—I'll go find him myself."

Before his words finished, he had already strode purposefully into Heaven-Earth Fire Hall.

All the way, he finally arrived at the quiet little courtyard where Ye Zhangqing resided.

The visitor didn't even knock, rudely pushing open the courtyard gate and striding inside.

At that moment, Ye Zhangqing was leisurely reclining on an exquisite Tǎng yǐ, eyes closed, nurturing his spirit.

Hearing the gate being shoved open, he slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the visitor with a calm, water-like look.

In an instant, their gazes met.

Ye Zhangqing carefully sized up the unfamiliar young man before him, wondering silently who he was and why he had so abruptly intruded upon his dwelling; the youth standing at the doorway likewise directed his gaze at Ye Zhangqing, his eyes revealing a hint of scrutiny.

Looking at this uninvited guest who had entered without permission, Ye Zhangqing couldn't help but frown slightly.

Especially when he heard the other call himself his Shī xiōng right at the start, a flicker of displeasure rose in his heart.

However, before Ye Zhangqing could speak, the youth named Wu Zhong beat him to it.

Junior Brother Ye, I am Wu Zhong, a Young City Lord of this Cooking King Immortal City; by seniority I am your Shī xiōng.

Having said that, a smug smile appeared on his face.

Ye Zhangqing's brows remained tightly furrowed; he genuinely felt some aversion to Wu Zhong's behavior of immediately claiming Shī xiōng status upon meeting.

Thus, he replied in an extremely indifferent tone.

"And then?"

His words left no room for any face.

Seemingly unaware of the coldness and resistance in Ye Zhangqing's words, Wu Zhong continued to speak to himself.

Hehe, junior brother, aren't you going to invite me to sit down? Besides, I'll personally go to the kitchen and whip up a lavish feast to properly entertain my Shī xiōng…… Of course, there's also me, the Protector of the Way.

Having said that, he turned slightly sideways, and saw an old man in a black robe, his face somewhat gloomy, appear suddenly like a ghost in Yuàn zhōng.

As soon as he appeared, a pressure enveloped Ye Zhangqing, and right away he came with a show of force.