Chapter 80 | The Otherworld Journey That Starts From a Slime

“We’re having a barbecue. Do you want to join us?” Zhang Ye invited with a smile.

Nan’s voice returned to its icy tone. “No.”

“Are you sure? My skills are quite good,” Zhang Ye said.

Nan was about to refuse again when a thought suddenly occurred to him. If Zhang Ye wanted to eat barbecue, wouldn't he have to take off that magical armor?

Would he finally be able to see what this bastard looked like?

With that in mind, Nan gave a slight nod.

Zhang Ye immediately chuckled. “That’s more like it! We’ll chat about the ‘Win-Win Cooperation’ package while we eat!”

Nan almost wanted to beat Zhang Ye until he cried.

But on second thought, he realized he was definitely no match for him. If they fought, he’d probably be the one crying again...

“Let me introduce myself first. I’m Zhang Ye,” Zhang Ye said with a grin.

“The ‘Zhang’ of grand festivities!”

“The ‘Ye’ of brilliant splendor!”

Nan looked at him expressionlessly, seemingly having no intention of introducing himself.

Zhang Ye gave an awkward laugh, thinking to himself that this boy was far too cold and definitely a tsundere.

“Let’s go.” Zhang Ye beckoned for Nan to follow.

As Zhang Ye walked ahead, he suddenly turned back and asked, “A fight makes for a fast friendship, right? Can we consider ourselves friends now?”

Nan replied coldly, “We cannot.”

Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. “Alright, alright.”

Nan wasn't as easy to get along with as Lina and Renomon, after all. Plus, Zhang Ye had robbed him three times; his resentment probably hadn't faded yet. Making friends would have to wait for later.

When they returned to Lina and Renomon, the two were surprised to see that Zhang Ye had actually brought Nan back. At the same time, they admired Zhang Ye.

Nan wore a poker face all day, devoid of expression and icy to everyone. He was incredibly difficult to deal with, so the fact that Zhang Ye could bring him back was impressive in their eyes.

Of course, this was also because Nan wanted to see what Zhang Ye looked like.

After all, Zhang Ye was the first man to ever make him feel so embarrassed. Furthermore, he might have to rely on Zhang Ye’s mana for his cultivation over the next few months, so he didn't want to make the relationship too strained right now.

He’d wait until he was finished using him, then kill him!

Yes, that was the plan!

Nan thought to himself.

Because Nan radiated an aura that warned people to stay away, Lina didn't dare get too close to him. However, she was very curious about him. After holding it in for a long time, she finally couldn't help but say, “Um... hello, I’m Lina.”

Nan merely spared her a glance and gave no further reaction.

Lina opened her mouth slightly but ultimately didn't have the courage to continue the conversation.

Renomon didn't like Nan’s personality either, so he didn't have a good impression of him.

Seeing that Nan seemed a bit out of place, Zhang Ye proactively approached him and smiled. “Can you eat spicy food?”

Nan just looked at him and ignored him.

Zhang Ye: “Answer me, or I’ll bind you again.”

Nan: “...”

Nan gave him a fierce glare and said, “I can!”

Zhang Ye laughed. “Good! I guarantee you’ll be eating until you almost swallow your tongue!”

Nan was dismissive.

He had undergone brutal training. Whether food was delicious or revolting, he could usually swallow it without a change in expression. Trying to bribe him with food?

Impossible!

Finding a clearing, Zhang Ye began preparing the barbecue.

A sprinkle of seasoning, controlled heat, and a brush of honey!

Wow~

Lina and Renomon were practically drooling, and Gujiu was also eager to try.

Nan glanced at the roasting meat, his eyes showing no emotion.

That’s it?

Heh, it’s impossible for something like this to sway me.

Then, Zhang Ye waved his hand—Flavor Enhancement!

In an instant, the aroma increased dozens of times over. Renomon’s saliva flowed so much it started leaking through the ventilation holes of his armor.

Nan was also momentarily stunned and couldn't help but gulp.

This... this smelled too good...

However, he soon snapped out of it and quickly composed himself.

No, Nan, you must hold onto your resolve!

Just eat a little bit later out of politeness. The main goal is to see what this fellow Zhang Ye looks like. Yes, that’s it. Just a little bit. I can’t give him too much face...

“It’s done! Try some!” Zhang Ye handed several skewers of meat to Lina and Renomon. The two immediately took off their helmets and began to feast eagerly.

Nan wasn't particularly surprised by their appearances. He knew Renomon, and after some thought, he could guess Lina’s identity. The one he truly cared about was Zhang Ye.

His family had some information on the contestants from other families, but this guy Zhang Ye was an exception. Despite being terrifyingly strong and capable of instant-casting Tier Ten magic, his family had no information on him at all, as if he had appeared out of thin air.

He wanted to see what this guy looked like!

Taking the skewer from Zhang Ye, Nan swallowed his saliva but didn't eat immediately. Instead, he stared at Zhang Ye.

Zhang Ye also picked up a skewer. Without thinking much of it, he directly deactivated his Metal Tiger Earth Armor, revealing his true face.

With sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, and flowing black hair, he radiated a warm, sunny aura that naturally made people feel well-disposed toward him.

This handsome appearance made Nan freeze for a moment.

Black hair, black eyes, and tanned skin—an Easterner?

No wonder he was so powerful. The average strength in the East was significantly higher than in the West!

He just didn't know which Eastern power he belonged to.

Was it one of the Eight Great Families or the Twelve Sects?

Or perhaps someone from the Sacred Grounds?

Zhang Ye took a bite of the meat with a look of pure satisfaction. “Wow, my skills have improved again!”

Lina and Renomon immediately nodded.

It had to be said that Zhang Ye’s cooking was truly exceptional.

Lina felt that even the food she ate in the royal palace wasn't this delicious.

As for Renomon, he felt a long-lost flavor from the meat.

His eldest sister’s barbecue was also this delicious, but it had been a long time since he had eaten her cooking.

It was truly too good!

Watching the two foodies nod while their mouths became slick with oil, Zhang Ye couldn't help but smile. Then he looked at Nan. “Eat up. Don’t tell me I’m so handsome that you’re already full just by looking at me?”

“Sigh, good looks really can be a substitute for a meal,” Zhang Ye shook his head with a look of helplessness.

Nan’s eyes twitched.

Despite his brutal training, which had taught him to hide his emotions, he simply couldn't maintain his calm in front of Zhang Ye.

Deciding to ignore him, Nan took a gentle bite of the meat.

Immediately, his eyes widened.

This taste!

And then, there was no stopping him.

It was already the evening of the second day. Nan hadn't eaten for three days before entering the secret realm, as he had been preparing himself to face the recruitment test in peak condition.

Combined with the fact that Zhang Ye’s robbery had forced him to overextend himself to hunt monsters, he was already starving.

Normally, he would have been able to endure it. This level of hunger was nothing to him. But as the incredibly delicious meat entered his mouth, his stomach seemed to be stimulated, and an indescribable hunger and appetite surged forth.

His previous thought of 'just eating a little bit out of politeness' was completely thrown to the back of his mind.

He went through skewer after skewer, eating even more voraciously than Lina and Renomon, which left Zhang Ye dumbfounded.

Was the food in the Thunderclap family really that bad? Look at how hungry this kid was.

Thinking this, he handed Nan some meat and fruit juice while laughing softly. “Eat slowly, don't choke. Have some juice.”

Nan suddenly paused as a memory surfaced.

A long time ago, when his mother made snacks for him, he would also wolf them down like this. Back then, his mother would say in a soft voice, “Eat slowly, don't choke.”

At this moment, Zhang Ye’s tone was the same—gentle, soft, and like a warm spring breeze.

He stared blankly at Zhang Ye, whose handsome face was filled with a warm smile.

Numbly taking the juice, he watched as Zhang Ye handed juice to Lina and Renomon, not even leaving out Gujiu. The smile on his face was bright and warm.