Chapter 1984

Listening to Wu Zhong chatter on like a string of firecrackers, praising all the virtues of the Heavenly Family's young lady, Ye Zhangqing couldn't help but feel a surge of helplessness.

However, seeing Wu Zhong's enthusiastic demeanor, Ye Zhangqing didn't want to interrupt, so he silently added another heaping spoonful of vegetables and said softly.

"Eat a bit more."

After a morning of several intense battles, although Wu Zhong suffered no obvious injuries, he indeed helped Ye Zhangqing bear a lot of pressure.

Thinking of this, Ye Zhangqing's gratitude toward Wu Zhong grew deeper.

At this moment, seeing Ye Zhangqing add food for him, Wu Zhong immediately spoke without hesitation.

"Shī xiōng, please rest assured; with this junior brother here, I will absolutely not let those fellows disturb you."

Being able to guard the arena for Shī xiōng and even enjoy specially prepared delicacies from the private kitchen—such a pleasant duty was, for Wu Zhong, like a windfall from heaven.

At this moment, his fighting spirit burned like a flame, growing ever stronger, and he secretly swore he would definitely hold this arena.

Looking at Wu Zhong's face, full of heroic ambition and high spirits, Ye Zhangqing gave a slight nod of approval.

But at the same time, he did not forget to give careful instructions.

"Don't be reckless; if you encounter an opponent far stronger than you, there's no need to hesitate—just admit defeat. At that time I will step in, and you must not let this arena battle cause you serious injury, for that would be pointless."

Regarding Ye Zhangqing's concerned words, Wu Zhong naturally nodded repeatedly in agreement.

In his mind, every word Ye Zhangqing said was gospel, except for matters concerning the Heavenly Family's young lady, which he could allow himself to keep private.

After all, in Wu Zhong's view, that Heavenly Family young lady was simply too perfect and flawless, making her hard to forget.

After a hearty, delicious meal, Wu Zhong ate to his full satisfaction, feeling exhilarated, and he felt his whole body brimming with strength and fighting spirit.

At this moment, his heart, already eager to try, became even more urgent; he could hardly wait to throw himself into the intense arena battle that would come this afternoon.

Wu Zhong never imagined that helping Shī xiōng guard the arena would bring such unexpected benefits.

Such a good thing—he never even dared to dream of it before.

After eating his fill to his heart's content, Wu Zhong took a brief rest to recuperate and gather his energy.

After one Shíchén, he returned full of vigor to the arena in the main square.

However, what slightly surprised him was that Bai Yuan and the three fellow senior brothers who had fought alongside him that morning had not yet appeared.

Actually, upon reflection, this is perfectly natural, since they three are Deputy City Lords, with many affairs to worry about and handle daily, so it's only natural they cannot be as idle as Wu Zhong, able to stay and guard the arena all the time.

Furthermore, the relevant rules for this arena competition had long been clearly established: when fighting, participants must not strike killing blows, but must stop at the point of contact; moreover, all competitors must suppress their cultivation to the same level.

This way, the fairness and safety of the match can be maximally ensured.

In the Cooking King Immortal City, everyone has always observed the rules, so there is no need to worry that anyone would dare to violate them.

Therefore, even though Bai Yuan and the three are not present to supervise, Wu Zhong remains full of confidence in this match.

Thus, on this bright and sunny afternoon, Wu Zhong alone ascended the arena and, following the set procedure, orderly accepted challenges from all sides.

As time passed, more and more disciples of the Cooking King Immortal City heard the news and rushed over; before long, the arena was surrounded by a crowd.

These fellow brothers gathered here obviously shared the same goal—to personally witness Wu Zhong's splendid performance this afternoon.

After all, this morning Wu Zhong, relying on his extraordinary strength and excellent performance, won a victory that could be called splendid to the extreme, which undoubtedly filled everyone with anticipation for his upcoming battles.

Wu Zhong's body flashed, and he leapt lightly onto the arena like a bird; just as he was about to speak, a figure suddenly appeared on the arena like a ghost.

Looking closely, it was a one-armed youth.

The crowd below, seeing this, all stared in surprise for a moment, then burst into exclamations.

"That's Zuo Jue of the Medicine King Immortal City."

Someone exclaimed in surprise.

"How could he appear here?"

Another person wore a look of utter shock.

This youth named Zuo Jue, among the many heaven‑chosen prodigies of the younger generation in the Immortal Realm, is absolutely renowned, his ranking sufficient to squeeze into the top ten.

Consequently, many people know him.

Of course, the most crucial point is that Zuo Jue's conduct is extremely ruthless and merciless; in his wanderings through the Immortal Realm, he has already made numerous enemies.

If it weren't for the backing of his powerful father, he would likely have already met his end in the underworld.

Surprisingly, despite being the Young City Lord of the Medicine King Immortal City, Zuo Jue is not a Pill Master by origin.

At this moment, seeing Zuo Jue suddenly mount the arena, everyone present wore a look of bewilderment.

After Zuo Jue stepped onto the arena, he uttered not a word of nonsense, merely staring expressionlessly at Wu Zhong opposite him and speaking coldly.

"Come on, make your move; in today's battle, I allow you to strike first."

Facing such a formidable opponent, Wu Zhong's face involuntarily showed a hint of gravity.

Because he clearly understood that Zuo Jue's strength, compared to the opponents he had faced that morning, was worlds apart—the gap between them was truly enormous.

However, what is most worrying is not Zuo Jue's strength, but his ruthless nature.

On the arena, openly killing people is something Zuo Jue has done more than once.

Although the Cooking King Immortal City had long ago set its rules, is Zuo Jue someone who observes them?

Anyway, with a father of the same stature as Huang Lao backing him, Zuo Jue's conduct can be described as completely unrestrained.

Therefore, as soon as Zuo Jue's words fell, disciples of the Cooking King Immortal City below began to shout, their faces full of worry.

"Senior brother, don't engage—quickly surrender."

"Yeah, senior brother, don't get entangled with him."

Fighting others, win or lose aside, at least one's life is not threatened; but fighting Zuo Jue is entirely different—it all depends on his mood.

Hearing the worried shouts of many Cooking King Immortal City disciples below, Zuo Jue curled the corner of his mouth and gave a cold smile.

"I heard that; they're telling you to admit defeat, which I think is a wise suggestion—otherwise I can't guarantee you'll walk off this arena alive."

You..................

Upon hearing that, Wu Zhong gritted his teeth and began to speak, but before his words could even leave his mouth, Zuo Jue directly cut him off.

"I give you three breaths to make a choice; if you don't step down, I will directly act, one............"