Chapter 30: A Deadly Question!

Don’t mention that Xiao Yang is only at the second level of Martial Master—even if a Martial Master at the seventh or eighth level had bad luck, they might not even make it into the top hundred. Anyway, he didn’t believe for a second that Xiao Yang could take the first place. His cultivation was too low, completely incomparable to the others.

“You brat, you really don’t know a good heart when you see one.”

Seeing Zhao Youcai’s reaction, Xiao Yang was grinding his teeth in irritation. He had offered goodwill, given the other man a chance, but had never expected that this fat fool would fail to appreciate it. Since that was how things were, he decided to let it go. He didn’t care to waste more words.

In one month, the grand competition would begin; he had to raise his strength first. That way, he could relax a bit when the time came.

“Here’s your promissory note.”

He took out the note and tossed it to Zhao Youcai, then turned to leave.

A moment later, Zhao Youcai stared blankly at the note in his hand. Suddenly, he erupted, shredding it furiously and letting out a roar.

“It’s over, all over! My youth wasted for more than ten years!”

Xiao Yang planned to return to Spirit Sword Peak first, and then check on his shop, so that Zhou Jingpeng wouldn’t worry about him.

“Brother, this time we really made a fortune! That shop is worth at least a million taels of silver, and with such a prime location, at least one point two million.”

Zhou Yan looked at the land deed, excitement shining in her eyes. She had never imagined she’d be holding a million-tael deed in her hands.

“Oh.”

But Xiao Yang seemed uninterested. The shop was valuable, but it wouldn’t help him improve his cultivation for now. He had to find other ways to enhance his strength. Thirty thousand taels to advance a level—such an extravagant thing only Xiao Yang could do.

At that moment, he envied Ji Ba, who only had to move his mouth every day and his cultivation would soar.

“Brother, what do you plan to sell in the shop?”

Zhou Yan suddenly asked, stumping Xiao Yang. After all, he hadn’t planned on taking over a shop, so he hadn’t thought about what business to run.

“Uh… I’m not sure.”

Xiao Yang shook his head; he really hadn’t considered what kind of business to start. If he couldn’t think of anything, he might just sell the shop.

“Hey, brother, I have an idea. Want to hear it?”

Zhou Yan grinned mischievously.

“You little rascal, always teasing me. You deserve a beating.”

He smiled helplessly. Zhou Yan didn’t hesitate and explained her idea. She had been pondering it for a long time, never able to put it into practice. Now was the perfect chance to try. If it succeeded…

Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but let a trace of drool slip from her lips.

“We could open a tavern. With your cooking skills, brother, you’d be famous throughout North Desert City.”

“Uh?”

Xiao Yang shot her a glance.

“I knew it, you can’t go three sentences without mentioning food.”

He had some expectation, but when he heard her suggest a tavern, he could only smile wryly. He didn’t have time to cater to others. With that time, couldn’t he do something else?

“Hehe, brother, you don’t need to do it yourself. My skills have improved a lot. I could be your head chef, as you call it.”

Zhou Yan explained, but Xiao Yang still refused.

“No.”

“You’re a martial artist, not a cook. Your duty is to cultivate, not to make dishes.”

He reprimanded loudly, regretting that he’d led her astray. He should have eaten quietly by himself back then, or else he wouldn’t have created this little foodie.

“I promise it won’t interfere with my training, brother. Just let me try it!”

Zhou Yan pouted, acting spoiled, making Xiao Yang’s heart blossom with delight. But his attitude remained firm.

“Zhou Yan, I’m telling you, this is impossible. No room for discussion.”

If nothing else, if Zhou Yan really became a chef, Zhou Jingpeng would never let him off. A promising martial arts talent, lured away by him and tricked into becoming a cook—he could already picture Zhou Jingpeng chasing him with a sword around the world.

Xiao Yang shivered involuntarily. He absolutely couldn’t agree. It was a death trap!

“Brother, just let me try!”

Zhou Yan pleaded softly, but Xiao Yang steeled himself, determined not to give in for the sake of his own life.

“Don’t say another word. I’d rather sell the shop than let you be a chef.”

“Hmph! I don’t care about you anymore. Brother, you’re a big meanie!”

Zhou Yan’s eyes reddened as she heard this, and she turned to run away.

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Xiao Yang hurriedly grabbed her hand. If she went back like this, what good would it do him? Even if Zhou Jingpeng didn’t use a sword, hitting him with a shoe wouldn’t be too much.

“Wait, sister, don’t be angry. I’m only thinking of your best interests.”

But Zhou Yan only snorted angrily.

“Hmph!”

“Fine, I agree.”

Xiao Yang had no choice but to pretend to consent. Immediately, Zhou Yan’s face brightened, showing a captivating smile, and she threw her arms around him.

“Mmm! So soft, so big…”

She spoke involuntarily.

Zhou Yan’s face flushed bright red, and she pushed Xiao Yang away.

“You lecher! Go die!”

But soon she sidled back.

“Brother, you have to keep your word, or I’ll snip you.”

She even made scissor gestures, making Xiao Yang feel a chill between his legs. But he braced himself and said,

“Ahem, here’s the deal—if you want to be a chef, you have to reach the Marquis level first.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yan’s smile froze. Reaching the Marquis level would take ten, maybe twenty or thirty years. By then, the vegetables would be cold.

“No way! That’s way too long!”

Xiao Yang revealed a triumphant, mischievous grin.

“Hehe, you’re the one who disagrees, so don’t blame me for denying you the chance.”

As soon as he said this, Zhou Yan realized she’d been tricked.

“Shameless!”

The two bickered playfully all the way to the foot of Spirit Sword Peak.

Suddenly, a furious shout rang out from above.

“Where’s that brat Xiao Yang?”

Zhou Yan’s expression changed.

“This isn’t good. Second Uncle is here. Brother, you have to run!”

She pushed him to leave. That voice belonged to none other than Meng Haotian, the second elder of the Giant Spirit Sect. It looked like he had come looking for trouble, and since he called Xiao Yang by name, it was likely he was here for payback.

“Run? Why should I run?”

Xiao Yang smiled nonchalantly and strode up the mountain.

“Wait! Second Uncle never holds back. If you’re not careful, he’ll kill you!”

Zhou Yan was nearly in tears from worry. With Meng Haotian’s temper, he’d surely break Xiao Yang’s legs. To dare make his son sign a servant’s contract—getting beaten would be the least of it.

“Brother, I beg you, let’s hide for a bit.”

Zhou Yan clung desperately to Xiao Yang, but he only sighed.

“Alright, I’ll tell you the truth. Second Uncle won’t lay a finger on me—he might even thank me.”

When he forced Meng Changsheng to sign the servant’s contract, he had foreseen this. Spirit Sword Peak’s power was too weak and needed reinforcement. It was one of the seven great peaks of the Giant Spirit Sect, but counting master and disciples, there were only three people altogether. How could they contend with the Grand Elder? If the other side sent a squad of foot soldiers, they’d be forced to play their trump card right away. That would be far too lacking in grandeur.