The Strongest Dandy in the City Chapter 2310 - 2299: The Flame Demon Fish’s Lair

Upon learning that Floating Cloud City intended to temporarily select bait, the inhabitants of the landfill promptly set aside concerns regarding the demise of Ding Zhenhu and Ding Zhenlong. Historically, no one ever chosen as bait had managed to return alive to the landfill. Amidst the collective anxiety and apprehension, a tremendous 'boom!' resounded. A gaping aperture materialized within the barrier encasing the landfill, and a majestic spirit boat materialized overhead. As per routine, it commenced the selection of bait at random. The residents of the landfill were each issued an identity token bearing a unique number. Representatives of Floating Cloud City, tasked with the capture of Flame Demon Fish, randomly announced three numbers. Those whose identity token numbers matched the announced digits were consequently chosen as bait. Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong intently observed the colossal spirit boat suspended in the sky. Cao Yunwei murmured, "Deploying such a massive spirit boat suggests a substantial contingent this time. Floating Cloud City must be aiming to capture a considerable number of Flame Demon Fish." Shortly after Cao Yunwei's observation, a voice emanated from the immense spirit boat above, proclaiming, "Eight hundred and one, eight hundred and two, and eight hundred and three; these three will accompany us to capture the Flame Demon Fish." The voice echoed across the entirety of the landfill. Upon hearing the numbers called out, a look of alarm spread across the faces of Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong. Ye Chenfeng, perceiving their distress, inquired, "Could it truly be such a coincidence? Were you both just selected?" Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong nodded grimly, their identity token numbers being consecutive due to their shared settlement in the landfill. Witnessing their confirmation, Ye Chenfeng's brow furrowed slightly. The sibling pair had shown him kindness, and he could not stand idly by while they were sent to their deaths as bait. However, his strength had not yet recovered, and the individuals on the spirit boat were undoubtedly powerful. His only recourse was to join them as bait, thereby ensuring the siblings' safety. Glancing around, Ye Chenfeng spotted a middle-aged man whose expression conveyed profound sorrow. He quickly approached the man and said, "Were you selected as well? Hand over your identity token, and allow me to take your place as bait." The middle-aged man, after a moment's hesitation at Ye Chenfeng's proposition, hastily passed over his identity token and departed swiftly, seemingly fearful that Ye Chenfeng might reconsider. Now possessing the identity token numbered eight hundred and three, Ye Chenfeng returned to Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong. He brandished the token and declared, "I will accompany you as bait." This gesture touched a soft spot in Cao Yunwei's heart, while the anxiety on Cao Xiaodong's face dissolved, replaced by a radiant smile. "Brother Ye, I have never admired anyone before! From this moment forth, Brother Ye is the one I admire most. It's merely a matter of being bait!" Cao Yunwei, her lips quivering slightly, spoke, "You truly didn't have to. With your Earth God Realm strength, you are sure to gradually recover your meridians and then you could live in Floating Cloud City." Ye Chenfeng offered a calm smile and replied, "I promised to repay you siblings, and I am a man of my word." "Selected individuals, step forward immediately. Cease your dawdling. We have no time to waste on your kind, trash." Another stern voice boomed from the spirit boat above. At this juncture, Cao Yunwei resigned herself to the fact that she could not dissuce Ye Chenfeng. She unexpectedly felt a surge of warmth, as if the prospect of being bait was no longer as terrifying. Ye Chenfeng, along with Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong, stepped forward, their tokens in hand. As the figures on the spirit boat noticed Ye Chenfeng and the other two, a powerful suction force emanated from the vessel. This force enveloped Ye Chenfeng and the others, drawing them inexorably towards the spirit boat. In mere moments, Ye Chenfeng and the others were pulled aboard. The spirit boat comprised two decks, with upwards of fifty individuals congregated on the upper deck. Prominent among them was an elder with a white beard, radiating an aura of authority, around whom the others seemed to gather. This elder was identified as Cheng Gaorong, the Third City Lord of Floating Cloud City, possessing strength at the Mid Divine King Realm. Standing by Cheng Gaorong's side was a middle-aged man at the peak of the seventh stage of the Heavenly God Realm, the most formidable individual present aside from Cheng Gaorong. This middle-aged man, Bao Xiangtian, upon observing the arrival of Ye Chenfeng and the others, respectfully inquired of Cheng Gaorong, "Third City Lord, shall we depart?" Cheng Gaorong gestured dismissively and commanded, "Let us go." Upon hearing Bao Xiangtian's voice, Ye Chenfeng immediately recognized him as the one who had announced the numbers earlier. Apart from Cheng Gaorong and Bao Xiangtian, the remaining fifty individuals present exhibited cultivation levels ranging from the Earth God Realm to the Heavenly God Realm.

Once the spirit boat resumed its journey, soaring away from the landfill's expanse.

Bao Xiangtian observed Ye Chenfeng and his companions, their lack of any powerful aura immediately noticeable. His brow furrowed slightly; he hadn't anticipated his fortune would lead him to select three individuals of common standing.

Approaching Cheng Gaorong with a degree of caution, Bao Xiangtian inquired, "Third City Lord, these three possess no cultivation. Should we perhaps return and choose three others?"

Under normal circumstances, selecting ordinary individuals would have been perfectly fine, but with the Third City Lord personally present on this occasion, Bao Xiangtian felt compelled to exercise extreme care.

Cheng Gaorong responded with an unfazed tone, "Never mind that. We've stumbled upon a nest of Flame Demon Fish this time. Rumor has it the fish within this particular nest are in a dormant state. This bait will serve as a means for us to scout ahead, and even ordinary folk will remain unharmed."

A wave of relief washed over Bao Xiangtian following Cheng Gaorong's assurance. However, upon hearing they were headed toward a Flame Demon Fish nest, the expressions of Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong grew somber once more.

The brother and sister pair had previously witnessed the horrifying forms of the Flame Demon Fish. It was certain that a Flame Demon Fish nest would contain a considerable number of them, and venturing into such a place to investigate carried the grave risk of being torn to shreds should the fish not be as dormant as believed.

... (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)