Li Huan stared directly at Murong Fu, his gaze piercing as if trying to see through his soul.
"Young Master Murong, please explain the meaning of 'specially invited guests' taking the stage to compete!"
Murong Fu leaped off the stage and landed in front of Li Huan.
"If Alliance Leader Li ultimately wins, he can become the 'Culinary Alliance Leader,' but the martial arts manual 'Yi Jin Jing' and 100,000 taels of silver will be awarded to the runner-up!"
After hearing this, Li Huan suddenly realized the truth.
Damn it, I went on stage to participate in a food competition, and all I got was a title, but no real prizes!
To put it bluntly, I'm just here to show my support, cheer on the "Martial Arts Culinary Competition," and give Murong Fu my all!
Murong Fu is too damn shrewd. He used the title of "Martial Arts Alliance Leader" as a gimmick to promote the "Martial Arts Food Festival" and attract people to Suzhou City.
In other words, Li Huan is Murong Fu's "secret to gaining popularity"!
Li Huan deliberately said, "I participated in the competition but didn't get any benefits. I must have been out of my mind to go on stage like that!"
Murong Fu hurriedly said, "Alliance Leader Li's martial arts are the best in the world, what use would he have for the Yi Jin Jing? You have earned countless gold and silver treasures, how could you possibly care about a mere 100,000 taels of silver?"
"As the leader of the martial arts world, Alliance Leader Li is renowned for his noble character and lofty integrity! As long as Alliance Leader Li steps onto the stage to participate in the competition, it will be enough to awe everyone and showcase the grandeur of the 'Martial Arts Culinary Tournament'!"
Murong Fu spoke with great passion, his spittle flying everywhere.
Li Huan shook his head: "No, no! Although I am the best in the world in martial arts, I can sell the Yi Jin Jing to martial arts practitioners at a high price after I obtain it!"
"Besides, who would complain about having too much silver? Ten thousand taels of silver, why would I not care about it!"
"This..." Murong Fu was speechless.
He originally intended to flatter Li Huan, hoping that Li Huan would willingly act as a "special guest," participating only in the food competition and not trying to win any prizes.
To everyone's surprise, Li Huan decisively objected in front of everyone and expressed interest in the prize.
Murong Fu smiled ingratiatingly and advised, "Alliance Leader Li, your martial arts are unparalleled and your culinary skills are unmatched. If you were to participate in the competition for the Yi Jin Jing and 100,000 taels of silver, who would dare to step onto the stage?"
Discussions broke out again at the scene.
"Yes, if Alliance Leader Li participates in the competition, we don't need to go on stage!"
"That's not how it works. The competition will only be truly exciting if Alliance Leader Li participates!"
"Is Alliance Leader Li like a beautiful flower, and we are just green leaves, all there to set off Alliance Leader Li?"
"Don't forget, if you get second place, you'll receive the Yi Jin Jing and 100,000 taels of silver!"
"That's right, Alliance Leader Li should be treated as a 'specially invited guest' and shouldn't be allowed to share the prizes!"
...
Murong Fu clasped his hands in a fist salute and said to Li Huan, "I have put a lot of effort into making the 'Martial Arts Culinary Tournament' a grand and successful event. I hope that Alliance Leader Li will be magnanimous and lend me a hand!"
Li Huan understood.
Murong Fu attempted to use the title of "Martial Arts Alliance Leader" as a publicity tool to attract various masters, thereby having the opportunity to bribe them and make them warriors to "restore the Yan Kingdom".
"Alliance Leader Li..." Murong Fu said in a low voice, "If Alliance Leader Li agrees, I will offer two hundred thousand taels of silver..."
Li Huan frowned slightly.
"It's not about the money, it's that you made the decision on your own and didn't tell me the truth beforehand!"
Murong Fu hurriedly said, "After returning to Suzhou, we will finalize the details of the 'Martial Arts Culinary Tournament.' We will be unable to send anyone to Lingzhou in Xixia in time, so we can only wait for Alliance Leader Li in Suzhou and inform him on the spot."
Li Huan said, "You're clearly taking advantage of my reputation and my status..."
"Five hundred thousand taels of silver!" Murong Fu whispered, raising the price.
Li Huan said righteously, "Do I look like a greedy person to you?"
"Eight hundred thousand taels!" Murong Fu continued to raise the price.
Li Huan shook his head.
"One million taels!" Murong Fu gritted his teeth and raised the price again.
Li Huan said, "Even if it were ten million taels, I would not agree!"
Murong Fu looked disappointed.
Li Huan changed the subject: "However, if you agree to one condition, I will accept one million taels of silver and help you successfully hold the 'Martial Arts Culinary Tournament'!"
Murong Fu immediately became excited: "Please speak!"
Li Huan deliberately stepped forward, getting closer to Murong Fu, and said in a low voice, "The condition is simple: give me Wang Yuyan!"
In an instant, Murong Fu froze: "Li... Alliance Leader Li, you... you also like my cousin?"
"Nonsense!" Li Huan said, "Miss Wang is as beautiful as a fairy and has outstanding talent. Of course I like her."
Murong Fu's sword-like eyebrows furrowed, then relaxed, revealing a smile.
"So, Leader Li has feelings for my cousin. Why didn't you say so sooner?"
"Actually, I originally intended to marry my cousin to Alliance Leader Li, but she is too infatuated with me, and I fear I would not be able to persuade her, so I gave up the idea!"
"Since Alliance Leader Li has made this request, I will do my utmost to persuade my cousin to serve Alliance Leader Li together with Abi!"
Li Huan asked, "What if Miss Wang doesn't agree?"
Murong Fu said, "If my cousin doesn't listen to my advice, I can ask my aunt to arrange for her to marry you!"
The aunt he was referring to was naturally Wang Yuyan's mother, Madam Wang of Mantuo Manor... Li Qingluo.
Li Huan said, "Wang Yuyan's mother, Madam Wang, doesn't get along with you. Why would she help you persuade Wang Yuyan?"
Murong Fu smiled and said, "Alliance Leader Li, don't worry, I have my own way."
Li Huan's demands for Wang Yuyan were a test for Murong Fu, to see if he was willing to give up his cousin.
As expected, Murong Fu readily agreed without much consideration.
This shows that this guy is selfish and doesn't care about Wang Yuyan's feelings for him at all.
Li Huan then said, "Wouldn't Wang Yuyan be heartbroken to find out that you gave her to me?"
Murong Fu chuckled and said, "When I went to Lingzhou in Xixia to apply for the position of imperial son-in-law, my cousin was heartbroken. Alliance Leader Li witnessed it firsthand. In the end, my cousin didn't accept it either?"
Seeing Murong Fu's shameless appearance, Li Huan's palms itched, and he almost slapped him again!
Murong Fu said, "Alliance Leader Li, it's settled then! As a 'specially invited guest,' you will participate in the 'Martial Arts Culinary Tournament.' After the tournament, I will present you with one million taels of silver and give my cousin to Alliance Leader Li!"
Li Huan laughed and said, "What will happen if you go back on your word?"
Murong Fu's expression turned serious, and he said solemnly, "If I dare to go back on my word, Alliance Leader Li may kill me with a single palm strike!"
Li Huan said, "Fine! It's a deal! If you dare to go back on your word, I'll send you to meet the King of Hell!"
Murong Fu let out a long sigh, leaped back onto the high platform, and announced loudly.
"Everyone! Alliance Leader Li has agreed to participate in the competition as a 'special guest.' He has promised to give up the martial arts manual 'Yi Jin Jing' and 100,000 taels of silver, which he will then award to the runner-up of this tournament!"
The scene was a sensation, with thunderous applause.
Li Huan sneered inwardly.
I'll just play along. First, I'll participate in the "Martial Arts Culinary Competition," and then I'll see how Murong Fu gives away Wang Yuyan!
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