Chapter 1903: The waters run deep; you cannot grasp them

When Wu Zhong and his Protector of the Way Hei Lao arrived without warning, Ye Zhangqing's expression stayed calm and composed, yet deep in his eyes cold glints had already flickered.

Before this, Ye Zhangqing had never met the man named Wu Zhong; his knowledge of him was limited to occasional hearsay.

They had no prior contact, let alone any deep grudge.

However, as soon as Wu Zhong appeared today, he displayed an extremely powerful aura, and his intentions were clearly hostile.

"I really don't have anything presentable to properly entertain Senior Brother; if Senior Brother has no urgent matters, then please forgive this junior brother for not continuing to keep you company."

Ye Zhangqing spoke in a tone that seemed calm as water but actually held an icy intent.

Faced with Wu Zhong's aggressive posture from the start, Ye Zhangqing naturally understood that the other party was no good.

Then why should he greet such an ill-intentioned person with a smile?

Shouldn't mutual respect be given between people?

Since the other party provoked hostilities with malice, how could I possibly still give him a pleasant look?

Upon hearing Ye Zhangqing's response, Wu Zhong's lips curled slightly, revealing a chilling smile.

Judging from the current situation, Ye Zhangqing's personality is indeed very firm.

Obviously, he is not someone who would willingly live under another's roof, relying on others.

Upon reflection, this is normal; after all, possessing such astonishing talent and even attaining the position of Young City Lord, who would willingly live under another's roof?

However, Wu Zhong had long been aware of this.

Ye Zhangqing exudes an innate arrogance; coincidentally, his personal visit today is surely meant to suppress that arrogance of Ye Zhangqing.

Not long ago, Ye Zhangqing had just taken the seat of Young City Lord, and Wu Zhong's arrival at this time simply aims to make Ye Zhangqing understand a principle.

Even if you are now the fourth Young City Lord of Cooking King Immortal City, what does that matter?

The waters of this immortal city run deep; they are not something a novice like you can easily master.

Even if you bear the halo of the Young City Lord, how great a storm could you possibly raise?

As Wu Zhong turned these thoughts over in his mind and was about to speak, Ma Qiankun suddenly burst in hurriedly.

Looking at his flustered appearance, it was as if his eyebrows were on fire.

"Young City Lord Wu, the banquet is fully prepared; may I ask how you wish to proceed?"

Ma Qiankun's reason for rushing over is self-evident—he came specially to help Ye Zhangqing out of his predicament.

Speaking of which, when Wu Zhong first entered the Heaven-Earth Fire Hall, its master Ma Qiankun had already come out to greet him personally.

Actually, at that moment, Ma Qiankun's perceptive eyes had already seen through everything—Wu Zhong was certainly no good.

Consider Ma Qiankun, who has served as an Elder of Cooking King Immortal City for many years, weathering wind and rain; how could he be an ordinary figure, naturally not fooled by Wu Zhong's petty tricks.

Ma Qiankun could not only see at a glance that Wu Zhong harbored ulterior motives this time, but also, relying on his extraordinary insight and experience, roughly guessed Wu Zhong's inner calculations.

Without a doubt, Wu Zhong seized the moment when Ye Zhangqing had just begun to show promise and his foundation was not yet solid, intending to take the opportunity to suppress him and deliver a blow to his standing.

At this moment, seeing even Wu Zhong's Protector of the Way Hei Lao appear, Ma Qiankun's confidence in his earlier speculation grew even firmer.

However, it should be noted that Ye Zhangqing is an outstanding figure who emerged from their Heaven-Earth Fire Hall.

It can be said without exaggeration that Ma Qiankun is Ye Zhangqing's most steadfast supporter and admirer.

Therefore, since Ma Qiankun has clearly seen Wu Zhong's malicious intent, both emotionally and rationally he will unhesitatingly step forward to relieve Ye Zhangqing's worries and resolve his difficulties.

Even if it costs him some personal face, he will spare no effort and absolutely will not allow Ye Zhangqing to suffer any harm.

It's a pity, though, that Ma Qiankun ultimately underestimated Wu Zhong's determination this time.

Although he had already extended an olive branch, giving Wu Zhong a graceful way out, Wu Zhong remained unmoved and did not accept the gesture at all.

Before Ma Qiankun could finish speaking, Wu Zhong coldly cut him off.

"Elder Ma, I am currently conversing with Junior Brother Ye here; where is there room for you to interject?"

Wu Zhong said this with a look of disdain, his tone full of arrogance and contempt.

Hmm???

Upon hearing those words, Ma Qiankun's face darkened; this Wu Zhong actually dared to speak to him like that today.

Although the Young City Lord's status is indeed higher than that of the elders, normally a Young City Lord like Wu Zhong would show some junior-appropriate modesty when facing the elders.

After all, one must consider the situation; we cannot let each other become too embarrassed.

However, this time Wu Zhong seemed to completely disregard those considerations, giving Ma Qiankun not a shred of face.

As his words left his mouth, Ma Qiankun's face instantly turned grim, as if water could drip from it.

Obviously, he had not expected Wu Zhong to leave no room for retreat, openly making him lose face before so many people.

Once such words are spoken bluntly, both speaker and listener may find their dignity hard to preserve.

At this moment, the smile originally on Ma Qiankun's face gradually faded, replaced by utter coldness.

One could see him slightly narrowing his eyes, fixedly staring at Wu Zhong, his gaze revealing a hint of chill.

Yet facing Ma Qiankun's sharp gaze, Wu Zhong showed no fear, his expression remaining calm as water as he met it evenly.

The two remained locked in a stalemate, the atmosphere instantly becoming unusually tense and heavy.

At that moment, Ye Zhangqing, who had been standing silently aside, suddenly stepped forward, gently took Ma Qiankun's hand, and said with a smile.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Elder, but there's no need to trouble yourself with arranging this banquet. I suppose Senior Brother Wu must be busy with affairs and likely lacks the leisure to enjoy this feast and fine wine."

Ye Zhangqing stepping forward now also shows that he sees Wu Zhong as fundamentally indifferent to Ma Qiankun, and that Ma Qiankun's attempt to suppress Wu Zhong today is impossible.

In the end, the one who will lose face is still himself; Ma Qiankun has been good to him, so Ye Zhangqing naturally will not stand by idly, especially since today Wu Zhong's target is none other than himself—he came for Ye Zhangqing.

Faced with Ye Zhangqing blocking Ma Qiankun's way, Wu Zhong said, his smile undiminished.

"Junior Brother Ye, the waters of Cooking King Immortal City run deep; as a newcomer, you cannot grasp them."