Chapter 1978: What do you think I am

Temper me?

Wu Zhong stared wide-eyed, full of suspicion as he looked at that Deputy City Lord, secretly pondering.

What does this mean? Why do I completely not understand what he's saying? Could there be some hidden meaning here?

At that moment, another Deputy City Lord took up the conversation and said.

How is this not tempering? Think about it, Wu Zhong—over these years you've lived a life of ease and comfort in the city; I'm afraid your original combat ability has already gradually deteriorated. We're doing this simply to let you accumulate more combat experience and also temper your fighting will. After all, you are the Young City Lord of Cooking King Immortal City. If someday you fight someone and get easily defeated in one move, our Cooking King Immortal City would lose all face.

Hearing these words, Wu Zhong couldn't help but open his mouth, wanting to retort a few sentences.

However, just as he was about to speak, he realized he seemed unable to find a suitable reason to refute what the other said.

Although it sounded somewhat reasonable, for some reason he always felt deep down that something was off.

Just as Wu Zhong racked his brains trying to figure out how to explain, Bai Yuan and the other two gave him no chance to continue defending himself; they simply waved their hands and spoke in unison.

All right, all right, this matter is decided like this. You'd better hurry back and prepare early. Tomorrow morning, the tempering will officially begin.

Faced with this situation, Wu Zhong sighed helplessly and could only nod in agreement.

All right... I understand.

Then he turned and slowly left, leaving the three Deputy City Lords standing where they were, watching his retreating back in thought.

After Wu Zhong left, Bai Yuan and the two others finally breathed a sigh of relief as if a weight had been lifted.

Just then, one of them suddenly felt as if struck by lightning, a flash of inspiration lit his mind, and he eagerly spoke up.

You say, since these guys are shameless, we can't just let them come challenge us so casually—not even if they first challenge Wu Zhong, that brat.

Huh???

Hearing this, Bai Yuan and Zhao Gang both sounded out in confusion, staring at Li Hua with doubtful faces, completely not understanding what he meant to say.

Seeing the two's clueless expressions, that Deputy City Lord's mouth curled slightly, revealing a sly, cold smile.

Only seeing him lower his voice, he explained mysteriously.

What I mean is, we need to increase the difficulty for those who come to challenge. For example, we could charge them a fee, like the entry fee for entering the city. This way we could screen out those lacking funds or sincerity, and also make a little profit—why not?

Huh???

Bai Yuan and the other two heard this, first they both froze, for a moment unable to react.

But not long after, their eyes began to shine, obviously they had grasped the merit of this idea.

Thus, the three like-minded guys immediately gathered together, starting to quietly discuss what amount would be appropriate to charge.

After a heated discussion, they finally settled on a price that left people gasping.

If those who originally planned to challenge Wu Zhong were present now and learned of the outrageous price set by Bai Yuan and the two, they'd surely be so angry their faces would turn black, unable to help cursing.

You three, still have no shame?

The price the three set is absolutely outrageously high, completely beyond common sense.

The three's hearts are also a bit too dark, but essentially they set such an outrageous high price simply to make the vast majority of people feel daunted and give up.

If they think it's too expensive, they might as well not come challenge; after all, the three themselves could enjoy leisure and ease.

Therefore, setting the price a bit high is actually not wrong; after all, that's exactly their purpose.

Looking at it this way, we should be able to successfully stop a large number of people.

One of them said this rather proudly; another echoed him.

Hmm, I think there should be no problem.

Thus, the three awaited tomorrow's arrival with great anticipation.

However, when the next day truly arrived, after the three announced the specific details of the fees and the high charge standard to everyone, the scene indeed, as they expected, provoked a strong wave of dissatisfaction and uproar.

People complained endlessly, accusations ringing nonstop.

But the final outcome greatly exceeded Bai Yuan and the three's expectations—although many challengers felt resentful and angry, cursing nonstop, the number who actually chose to give up the challenge was pitifully few.

Faced with this situation, Bai Yuan and the three stared at each other, astonished.

No way, we set the price so high—how are these people still unwilling to quit?

What's even more unexpected is that, due to the large number of challengers still insisting on participating, Cooking King Immortal City actually made a huge profit despite the seemingly unfavorable situation—truly a case of filling the coffers to overflowing, faces beaming with joy.

Looking at those more than ten Space Rings already filled to the brim, Bai Yuan and the three felt a mix of emotions, yet also felt tempted.

It seems they unknowingly found a way to make a fortune.

Wu Zhong hasn't arrived yet; seeing this short-term gain, Bai Yuan and the three exchanged a glance without changing expression—this thing seems promising.

Although the fee is set so high, people still flock to it; this can definitely be developed further.

It's just to make Wu Zhong work a bit harder; as Deputy City Lord of Cooking King Immortal City, we believe he should also be willing to contribute his strength for the city.

Not bad, not bad; Wu Zhong surely thinks the same.

Upon thinking this, Bai Yuan and the three grinned so wide their mouths couldn't close.

Just as the three were indulging in their fantasies, Wu Zhong's voice suddenly sounded from nearby.

City Lord, what are you laughing at?

Following the sound, they saw Wu Zhong with a puzzled look; he had arrived early as promised, and at a glance saw Bai Yuan and the three grinning so wide their mouths couldn't close, and that smile, however you looked at it, seemed sinister.

There's a problem, you three old fogeys.

Seeing Wu Zhong before them, full of suspicion, Bai Yuan and the three quickly gathered their smiles, looked at Wu Zhong, and spoke seriously.

Wu Zhong, you are the Young City Lord of our Cooking King Immortal City; our city takes pride in you. This time you must definitely stand guard for Changqing Xiaozi on this first shift.

You should know that many of those who challenge Changqing Xiaozi may harbor ill intentions; we believe in you, you won't let our Cooking King Immortal City down, right?

Didn't expect this kid could bring them such an unexpected delight— not bad, not bad. Bai Yuan and the other two just blurted it out, leaving Wu Zhong dazed from being sweet-talked.