Chapter 143: The Entry Fee

“What a shame our Brother Teng isn’t in the city. After killing Kui Hu, the people we have left at our base can’t stand up to Xue Shi’s crew. Otherwise, I’d want to wipe them all out right now.”

A-Yi reluctantly pulled his foot back, looking down at the bloodied group of Kui Hu’s men on the ground, full of regret.

The buddies behind him all sighed in agreement. “Dragon Teng just doesn’t have enough people. Otherwise, how could Xue Shi’s gang be running the show? Our Brother Teng could totally take the city lord’s seat.”

“Exactly, exactly!” Pei Yu, who was sitting nearby, nodded earnestly, clearly feeling the same way. “In terms of unity, Dragon Teng is the most cohesive of the three major powers in Chaos City. In terms of character, Zhong Teng is the most decent of the three leaders. In terms of strength, he’s also the strongest. Objectively, he’s the best candidate for city lord, and with his personal charisma and power, he’s more than up to the job.”

Yun Qimu raised an eyebrow and gave him a playful look. “You sure know a lot about Chaos City.”

Pei Yu lifted his chin proudly. “Of course. I told you, I’m familiar with all the major factions on Exile Star. Bringing me along is definitely your best choice.”

“Hahaha, well said, brother! Great minds think alike!” Over on the other side, Man Niu, A-Yi, and the others finally noticed the five newcomers.

After hearing Pei Yu’s high praise for their Brother Teng, they immediately puffed up with pride, looking honored and delighted.

Their earlier annoyance at these folks just watching the fight instead of helping out vanished in an instant.

“Hahaha, I was just telling the truth,” Pei Yu replied with a big grin, getting up to join them.

With his outgoing nature and endless chatter, it didn’t take long for Pei Yu to hit it off with the Dragon Teng crew, calling each other “brother” in no time.

Thanks to his age, the young guys even started calling him “Brother Pei,” which made Pei Yu feel thoroughly pleased.

He beamed—these young men were way more likable than Yuan An, that chubby kid.

Yuan An pouted. That’s just because they don’t know the real you.

As everyone enjoyed the lively atmosphere, Yun Qimu walked over and handed a small suona back to Zhong Qiu. “This is yours, right?”

Zhong Qiu blushed and shyly took it.

He glanced at Yun Qimu’s face and stammered, “Th-thank you, goddess, for keeping it safe for me. It really is mine—I dropped it by accident during the fight.”

As he spoke, his eyes sparkled as he looked at Yun Qimu, clearly hoping for some praise.

Surely the goddess saw how brave he was just now! Now that he had that awesome power to make people stick their heads out for a beating, he’d definitely be able to protect her in the future.

Unfortunately, Yun Qimu didn’t praise him. Instead, she called over Wu Xingyu and Yuan An, her face serious, and got ready to leave.

Zhong Qiu forgot his shyness and hurried after them, pleading, “I heard from Brother Pei that you’re new to Chaos City. Why not come stay at our Dragon Teng base? Goddess, someone as beautiful as you is really in danger walking around here—there are a lot of bad people in the city.”

Yun Qimu just raised an eyebrow and smiled. “No need.”

But Zhong Qiu’s protective instincts were strong. He clearly disapproved of her going off alone and silently vowed to protect the goddess from all the creeps out there. After all, he was a powerful ability user now!

He puffed out his chest, feeling awesome.

Wu Xingyu gave him a look of disdain, stepped between the two, and shoved this pretty boy aside.

Tsk, what an eyesore.

Only then did Zhong Qiu notice Wu Xingyu. One look and he was stunned—this guy’s face was way too good-looking. He couldn’t compete.

He was down for a moment, but after some teasing encouragement from his friends, Zhong Qiu perked up and came back over. “Goddess, I heard from Brother Pei that you’re here to do business. What are you selling? Why not try our market at the Dragon Teng base first? It’s really safe there—no forced buying or selling. It’s the safest trading spot in Chaos City.”

Yun Qimu paused and turned to Wu Xingyu. “What do you think?”

Wu Xingyu, face cold, glanced at Zhong Qiu—who was bouncing around like an eager puppy—and sneered, “We don’t need safety. We need forced buying and selling.”

Yun Qimu grinned in agreement. “You’re right.”

Zhong Qiu puffed up his cheeks in frustration, eyes wide. How could this guy not appreciate his kindness? He was just looking out for the goddess! There were so many bad people in Chaos City, and forced buying and selling was dangerous. Plus, someone as pretty as the goddess would get targeted easily.

All the way, Zhong Qiu kept trying to persuade Yun Qimu to change her mind, but to no avail. Before long, they arrived at Chaos City.

It was an ancient, weathered city. The grand gates, built of gray marble, stood wide open. People streamed in and out, and the noise was constant.

Looking inside, it was even more packed—a sea of people, as crowded as the main street of Kimberly.

Yun Qimu’s eyes lit up. So many people! She loved crowds.

“Halt!”

A chubby guard blocked Yun Qimu’s way with a big knife.

Yun Qimu snapped out of her daze and looked up at him, a bit confused. “What is it?”

The guard was momentarily stunned by her beauty, his dark face flushing red as he awkwardly looked away. But he still did his duty and said gruffly, “Please show your city residence permit.”

Yun Qimu pursed her lips. “I don’t live in the city. I’m just here to do business.”

The guard nodded knowingly. With a face like that, he’d definitely remember if she was a local.

He continued, “Outsiders have to pay an entry fee of 1,000 energy coins.”

“What? One thousand?”

Yun Qimu was stunned by the outrageous price. A thousand energy coins—that was ten spirit coins! Ten spirit coins could buy a bottle of red potion!

That was way more expensive than the tourist fee she used to charge for visiting Earth Village. She felt like she was getting ripped off.

Now she understood why the Main Brain wanted her to come out and learn. She was still too soft-hearted—she needed to learn from the black-hearted ways of Chaos City.

Raise the price, raise the price! When she got back, she’d definitely hike up the tourist fees.

It wasn’t just Yun Qimu who felt the pain—Wu Xingyu and Yuan An, who overheard, were hurting too.

Wu Xingyu: The spirit coins I earned pretending to be a husband aren’t even enough for the entry fee. QAQ

He pouted, unhappy.

Only Pei Yu seemed to just remember this, and didn’t really mind. “It’s more expensive than before,” he muttered. “But Mulan City charges an entry fee too.”"