Chapter 55: A Profitable Idea

The black-clad assassin’s mind was momentarily blank, unable to react. He muttered numbly, “All bounties are priced by a professional review panel before being posted.” “Where is this review panel?” The assassin suddenly realized his mistake and clamped his mouth shut, nearly blurting out something he shouldn’t have. He swallowed hard, and almost at the same time, blood gushed from his mouth as he died before their eyes.

“Damn!” With a look of utter distaste, Xiao Yang shoved the corpse aside. He had wanted to see if he could coax the location of the assassin’s base out of him, hoping to gather people and wipe them out. After all, Jin Buhuan had promised that he could seek his help whenever needed. If he could borrow men from Jin Buhuan and raid the assassins’ den, it would be a lucrative windfall.

Of course, there was also the matter of Xiao Yang’s dissatisfaction with the bounty on his own head. Fifty thousand taels? Was that all the life of a transmigrator like himself was worth? It wasn’t even enough for him to level up once.

In truth, Xiao Yang was unaware that his original bounty had been set at just ten thousand taels, and that was only because he was Zhou Jingpeng’s disciple. However, for reasons unknown, the higher-ups had suddenly and temporarily raised the reward to fifty thousand.

Spitting in disdain, he prepared to leave but then remembered he hadn’t searched the body. Turning back, he rifled through the assassin’s possessions and found just over thirty thousand taels of silver.

“Even a mosquito is still meat,” he muttered. Though it wasn’t much, he didn’t mind. “Let’s go! Time to head home and cook!” With everything done, he called out to Hao Wenlong and strode toward the mouth of the alley. As for the corpse, it wouldn’t be long before someone discovered it. There was no need to worry; someone else would handle it.

Shortly after Xiao Yang’s departure, a figure in black robes appeared, surveying the dead assassin on the ground. The man withdrew a token from his robes. “Copper-ranked assassin failed. Contact headquarters and ask if they want to raise the price. For now, set the amount at one hundred thousand taels!”

Xiao Yang, upon returning to the Fortune Gathering House, immediately set about cooking. He bought pots, pans, and utensils directly from the system’s marketplace. The Hao brothers, as usual, stood guard at the entrance like twin sentinels.

Suddenly, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, causing both brothers to perk up. “What’s that smell? It’s incredible!” “Really, it’s even better than the signature dish of that so-called Number One Chef in the World.” Unable to help themselves, they sniffed the air in rapture.

Yet, both knew they had a duty and didn’t leave their posts, content to inhale the fragrance from where they stood.

At that moment, four young men strode briskly toward them and soon stopped in front of the Fortune Gathering House. The Hao brothers exchanged a look of puzzlement—they recognized these four, having seen them often. They were none other than the four sons of the City Lord: the Four Heroes.

“What are you doing here?” The brothers’ tone was cold, their impression of the Four Young Masters of the Northern Wastes far from favorable. Almost simultaneously, the four young men frowned. Here in Northern Wastes City, who dared speak to them in such a manner? They looked up, wanting to see which fool had such audacity.

“Looking for trouble? How dare you speak to us—uh… Uncle Hao!” The four were dumbfounded, never expecting the speakers to be the Hao brothers. Everyone knew these two were Jin Buhuan’s earliest followers. Though merely bodyguards, Jin Buhuan himself had decreed that anyone meeting them must respectfully address them as “Uncle”; otherwise, a beating would follow.

“I don’t care what trouble you cause elsewhere, but if you try anything here, don’t blame me for being rough,” Hao Wenlong said coldly.

“Yes, yes!” The four nodded, even turning to leave. Seeing that the four didn’t persist, the Hao brothers breathed a sigh of relief. If it really came to blows, it would be awkward—after all, they were mere subordinates, and these four were the City Lord’s sons, however spoiled.

The four had walked some distance when they finally stopped. “Don’t you want to see your prized cocks?” Jin Ying whispered. The three brothers replied in unison, “Of course we do.” Gritting his teeth, Jin Ying said, “Let’s go back.” But just then, someone restrained him.

“Are you mad, big brother? If we go back, we’ll get beaten for sure,” Jin Xiong said nervously. “But are you willing to miss seeing your precious birds?” The four exchanged glances. If they missed their fighting cocks today, they’d be restless all day.

“We’re not here to cause trouble, so we don’t have to be afraid,” Jin Ying insisted. At this, the other three’s eyes lit up. “Right, we’re not here to stir up trouble.” “Let’s go!” “We’re heading back.” Having reached an agreement, the four turned and made their way back to the Fortune Gathering House.

Meanwhile, the Hao brothers at the door frowned. “Not good, those four are coming back,” Hao Huahu muttered anxiously. If the four tried to force their way in, they really couldn’t go hard on them. Watching the four approach, Hao Wenlong’s eyes brightened as he came up with a plan. “Quick, go find the City Lord.” Only their father could truly rein in these four, and if they did it once, the four scoundrels would never dare trouble Xiao Yang again. It would solve the problem at the root.

“Big brother, hold the fort.” Realizing the urgency, Hao Huahu didn’t hesitate, dashing off to the City Lord’s mansion with all his strength to report to Jin Buhuan as quickly as possible.

At that moment, the four young men had already returned. Despite their bravado, the Four Young Masters of the Northern Wastes were still somewhat wary of the Hao brothers. Facing the stern Hao Wenlong, Jin Ying spoke cautiously, “Uncle Hao, we’d like to go in.”

With a glare, Hao Wenlong barked, “You can’t enter—there’s a distinguished guest of the City Lord inside.” The four’s faces immediately changed. The City Lord’s guest! Disturbing such a person would earn them broken bones for sure.

In an instant, the four deflated, ready to retreat—but on second thought, they were unwilling to give up. “Uncle Hao, we won’t go in; could you help us find someone inside?” Jin Ying ventured.

“Fine.” Hao Wenlong, afraid of provoking the four into stubbornness, quickly agreed. “Who are you looking for?”

“His name is… uh…” The four were stumped. They didn’t even know Xiao Yang’s name.

Seeing their predicament, Hao Wenlong’s eyes narrowed, suspecting the four were toying with him. His face darkened. “Don’t make trouble, you four—if you disturb the guest inside, the City Lord will never forgive you.”

The Four Young Masters were on the verge of tears. Suddenly, Jin Ying’s eyes lit up as he found a solution. “Uncle Hao, we’re looking for Rooster King!” With this hint, the other three immediately remembered. They might not know Xiao Yang’s name, but they were certain his rooster was called Rooster King.