Chapter 16

However, among all the people present, the four guys that Zhan Yi had observed earlier had the most complicated thoughts. After seeing Zhan Yi's performance, they all shouted in their hearts at the same time: "What the hell, this kid is just like us, he's definitely not human." Then, the four of them hurriedly completed the basic knowledge test and gathered together to whisper to each other.

At this moment, Zhan Yi had just finished lifting the stone lock and then came to the place for the basic knowledge test with a relaxed expression to start the test.

The knowledge test for this matchmaking event was actually just a formality, mainly to ensure that those who signed up had at least some level of education. Therefore, Zhan Yi passed it very easily. After the test, the staff recorded his name and some basic information and told him to wait to the side.

Zhan Yi didn't say much and casually found a place to sit by the stage, looking around at all the people who had passed the registration test, about sixty to seventy in total, and still increasing. He couldn't help but smile bitterly, thinking, "Damn, how long is this going to take?"

"That guy is really strong, can we get to know him?" Just as Zhan Yi was thinking randomly, the four guys he had observed earlier came and sat down next to him. One of them, who looked like the leader, spoke up.

Zhan Yi turned to look at the man and found that he looked quite honest and trustworthy, and was tall and strong, especially with a very enthusiastic and generous demeanor, which didn't make him feel too repulsive.

However, he knew that these guys must have come over to learn more about him. So, he also put on a very generous act and said, "Of course, as the saying goes, 'Wherever you go, you will meet people.' It's a great coincidence that we met. I'm Zhan Yi. May I ask how to address the four of you?"

"Haha... Brother Zhan is indeed straightforward. I'm Lu Hu. These are my three brothers: Lu Bao, Lu Lang, and Lu Chai." The big man laughed heartily, as if he was very impressed with Zhan Yi.

Wolf, Leopard, Tiger, and Hyena—could these guys be the Tiger Spirit, Wolf Spirit, Leopard Spirit, and Hyena Spirit? After hearing Lu Hu's words, Zhan Yi started to ponder. But why would they give him such a hint? Could it be that they also took him for a monster?

This thought almost made Zhan Yi burst out laughing. If that were true, it would be quite amusing. However, he didn't know if these monsters were good or bad, so he quickly put on a friendly act and said, "Haha, so you are Brother Hu, Brother Bao, Brother Lang, and Brother Chai. I'm honored, honored. Meeting you today is truly a great fortune. I just saw your performances, and you were all as strong as mountains and as mighty as the heavens."

"Thank you, thank you, Brother, you're too kind. This test might take until noon. Why don't we find a place to drink and chat?" Lu Hu, seeing Zhan Yi's respectful look, also became more polite and invited him.

"Sure, I was thinking the same thing. Let's go, I'll treat you." Zhan Yi nodded lightly and agreed.

"Boss, where are you going? Aren't you waiting here?" Just as they were about to leave, Dong Dabao ran over.

"I'm going to drink and chat with these brothers." Zhan Yi looked at Dong Dabao and winked at him several times.

"I want to go too." Dong Dabao, receiving Zhan Yi's signal, thought he wanted him to follow and said expectantly.

"You? Get lost. Stay here and wait. If anything happens, call me." Zhan Yi knew Dong Dabao had misunderstood him and pretended to be angry, scolding him. He didn't dare let Dong Dabao follow, as these four monsters might take him somewhere, and if a fight broke out, he wasn't sure if he could protect him.

"Uh... Okay, boss, come back early." Dong Dabao, seeing Zhan Yi's angry face, knew he didn't want him to go and guessed that these four were not ordinary people, so he reluctantly agreed.

"Ha, Brother Zhan, why don't you let him come along? We don't mind an extra pair of chopsticks." Lu Hu, watching Zhan Yi scold Dong Dabao, felt a deep admiration. As a leader, he wouldn't dare speak to his subordinates like that, so he thought Zhan Yi was indeed powerful.

"Brother Hu, don't say that. We brothers drink without him. Let him keep watch here. If the competition starts, we'll have someone to notify us, right?" Zhan Yi said with a carefree expression and then pulled Lu Hu towards the exit.

"Haha, Brother Zhan, you have great courage." After leaving the venue, Lu Hu couldn't help but praise Zhan Yi, looking at his three subordinates, as if saying, "See that? Learn from him."

However, the other three all looked不服 (unconvinced). Zhan Yi, sensing the subtle relationship among them, smiled calmly and said, "Ha, Brother Hu, you don't know, subordinates must be disciplined. How can a leader not act like a leader? What do you think, Brother Lang, Brother Bao, Brother Chai?"

"That's right, Brother Zhan is absolutely right. In this world, the capable rise to the top. Those without ability shouldn't pretend to be leaders, right?" Lu Lang smiled meaningfully at Lu Hu and then turned to Zhan Yi, while Lu Bao and Lu Chai showed their firm support.

"Uh... Right, right, let's go, brothers, let's have a good drink." Seeing Lu Hu's face turn green with anger, Zhan Yi quickly smoothed things over. However, he sensed something: although these four seemed to follow Lu Hu, the real leader among them was probably Lu Lang. This puzzled him, and he secretly observed Lu Lang, wondering why he could dominate the group.

The four of them, understanding Zhan Yi's meaning, felt a bit awkward but soon walked arm in arm towards the town's street. However, just before reaching the restaurant, Lu Hu spoke again, "Ha, Brother Zhan, the weather is so nice today. Eating in this room would be too boring. Why don't we buy some food and go for a picnic outside the town?"

"Sure, as long as I can drink and chat with the four of you, I'm fine with going anywhere." Zhan Yi said indifferently.

From the beginning, he knew that the four of them approaching him wasn't just to get to know him over a meal but to test or deal with him. However, this suited his plans. With his Yin-Yang Five Elements Soul Furnace ability, he wasn't afraid of them and was also looking for an opportunity to deal with them. A restaurant was definitely not a convenient place for action.

"Then it's settled. Wait here, Brother Zhan, I'll go buy some good mutton and wine." Lu Bao also spoke up.

"See, how can I let you pay? I said I would treat you." Zhan Yi put on a embarrassed act.

"Ha, we're all in the same boat, don't be so polite, Brother Zhan." Lu Lang, seeing Lu Bao enter the restaurant, patted Zhan Yi's shoulder and said generously.

The mutton in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region is a specialty, and many restaurants prepare it. So, it didn't take long for Lu Bao to come out with a large bag of mutton and a few bottles of liquor, smiling at the group, "Alright, this should be enough."

Zhan Yi looked at the amount of food, thinking it must have taken at least two sheep. It seemed these four were pure carnivores. The others also looked very happy and pulled Zhan Yi along to the outskirts of the town.

On the way, Zhan Yi noticed that they seemed very familiar with Moer Town. They soon led him to a pavilion outside the town, stopped, and Zhan Yi looked around, finding this place truly remote, especially during the town's event, with no one in sight. If someone were to rob or kill here, it would be the perfect place.

"Ha, come, Brother Zhan, the meat is still hot. Let's drink and chat." The four of them, seeing Zhan Yi's actions, exchanged smiles and started to set up. In no time, the food was laid out, and the wine was opened.

The aroma of the wine and meat filled the air, making Zhan Yi's stomach, which wasn't very hungry, growl. He didn't hesitate, opened a bottle of wine, and raised it, saying, "Four brothers, it's an honor to meet you and be recognized by you. I'll drink to you first."

"Ha, Brother Zhan, you're too polite. Let's drink." The four of them, seeing Zhan Yi's generous demeanor, all laughed heartily and drank with him.

Eating and drinking, Zhan Yi couldn't help but praise the Xinjiang mutton in his heart. Whether it was braised, stewed, or grilled, it was delicious, and the combination with a little wine was truly delightful.

The four of them also ate large pieces, but while eating, they didn't forget to chat with Zhan Yi. Although Zhan Yi enjoyed the food, he was cautious and tried to find out their background and the purpose of their participation in the matchmaking event.

Everyone had their own hidden motives, unwilling to reveal their true intentions, yet they had to pretend to be generous and praise each other. After the wine and food were finished, Lu Lang finally couldn't hold back, "Brother Zhan, you can see that we four are sincere in wanting to be friends. Let's not beat around the bush. Why don't we introduce ourselves?"

"Ha, Brother Lang, I was thinking the same thing. Why don't you tell me who you are, so I can understand better?" Zhan Yi also laughed, knowing that the pretense was over and it was time to get down to business.

"Brother, that's not fair. Why don't you introduce yourself first?" Lu Hu frowned, interrupting before Lu Lang could speak.