Since it was just a small bear, the fatty didn't need to kill it. He was just a little worried that if he let this bear go and it was infected by the black energy again, it might harm other living creatures.
"It won't. With your divine operations, this bear is now filled with righteousness, and the black energy can't infect it at all. You can rest assured about this."
Since that was the case, the fatty had no more worries and directly released the bear. Then, they got back into the car and continued driving. They were still some distance from Hope City and had to hurry. They couldn't afford to be delayed on the road again.
They thought they had it all figured out, to drive forward with all their might and try not to waste any more time. However, circumstances did not allow it. The weather along the way was consistently strange.
One moment it would snow, the next it would hail, and then it would rain black. And this strange phenomenon only occurred in the area where this group was. Other places were completely normal.
This matter was definitely related to Ouyang Xinuo. It meant that a mass of black energy was following them. This situation was very unfavorable for them.
"Ouyang Xinuo is truly a shrinking turtle. He always likes to play these little tricks. I really hate people who just make noise and don't do anything. They cause no actual harm, but they just want to make us miserable. If you have the guts, come out and fight me head-on. I definitely won't hold back."
Now the fatty had something to rely on. With the dual value of the bracelet and the shovel, he spoke with more confidence, unlike before when he was hesitant.
"Whatever. I want to see what kind of abilities Ouyang Xinuo has. He's always showing off, but he causes no real harm."
The climate along the way was indeed harsh. When it was cold, it was deadly, and when it was hot, it almost melted them. If it were ordinary people, they would have given up long ago. Fortunately, they were all quite resilient.
Thus, they arrived at a small town near Hope City. It wasn't that they were deliberately delaying their arrival, but it was already dark. The road from this Plum Blossom Town to Hope City was fraught with risks.
So, it was better to wait until daytime to set off. This way, for the entire team, the danger would be minimized, and the benefits maximized.
"Is this really a town? Why is it so desolate? I haven't seen a town like this in a long time. It's like a ghost town."
It was indeed very desolate. It was called Plum Blossom Town. It should have given people a bright and warm feeling, but the entire town was completely lifeless. The buildings were dilapidated, there were few people on the streets, and it looked worse than a village. It should have been called a deserted village to be more accurate.
"Since we're just staying temporarily, let's find a place to stay first. We've been eating dry rations all the way. We should have a hot meal to warm our stomachs."
This was the most pressing need at the moment. There was no need to dwell on other things. Having a good meal and a long sleep was the most practical need.
"Okay, then let's quickly find a place to stay."
The fatty quickly went to inquire, but he couldn't find anyone. Finally, at the entrance of an alley, he found an old man with no teeth and asked him.
He discovered that there wasn't even a restaurant here. Later, they had to look for the town mayor. However, the old man walked very slowly, making everyone almost lose their patience. Finally, they reached the mayor's house.
The mayor was not at home. This place was very backward. There was only a dusty landline phone, and not even a modern smartphone that could be used for casual calls.
In this era, to be able to do something like this was truly not easy. It was utterly speechless. There was nothing they could do. Ye Tiancheng and the fatty could only wait at the mayor's house.
"Um, sir, may I ask why no one is home, and you can go out so calmly without fear of losing things?"
"If I wanted to lose things, at least someone would have to steal them. How could I be so lucky? No one steals anything. Anyone who is normal here has found a way to leave. They wouldn't let themselves stay in this godforsaken place their entire lives."
What he said was a bit hard to understand. It was hard to imagine that a small town could be so dilapidated. It seemed like no one was willing to come to this godforsaken place.
"Isn't that normal? This Plum Blossom Town is the closest place to Hope City. The legends there are not good. A group of people wanted to burn this place down, and it was only with great difficulty that it was saved. Do you think it's that easy? It's good enough that Plum Blossom Town still exists. Don't expect this place to become prosperous."
What he said was very clear. Everyone understood the logic. No one would choose to stubbornly believe that people would be willing to live in a place so close to a ghost town.
"You're right. The key is, when will your mayor return?"
"If you outsiders want to stay, you can just stay at the mayor's house. As for food, you might have to do it yourself. I've tasted the mayor's cooking, and it's not good at all."
It was unclear how much credibility this blind and deaf old man's words had. Anyway, it was very speechless. In such a place, there could be an old man of such an age. Fatty had asked earlier and found out that the old man was 98 years old, which was a considerable age.
"Alright, then let's wait."
Ye Tiancheng didn't dare to ask any more questions. Making a 98-year-old man talk so much, he seriously suspected that if he said a few more words, the old man might not be able to catch his breath and might even die.
So they waited. The fatty was not someone who could sit still. He didn't consider himself an outsider. He wandered around the mayor's house and finally found some ingredients. Feeling a bit hungry, he didn't want to waste any more time waiting, so he started cooking himself.
The fatty was very efficient at cooking. He finished quickly, preparing three dishes and one soup. The ingredients in the mayor's house were fresh and of very high quality.
"Brother Ye, I made this Kung Pao Chicken especially for you because I think you'll definitely like this dish. The chicken here seems to be free-range. I could tell when I was cooking. I also added chili oil as a seasoning. It will definitely be delicious."
With fresh ingredients and a full set of seasonings, the fatty generally didn't doubt his cooking skills. Anyway, every time he cooked, he always received praise. The fatty was already used to considering himself a famous chef.
"I have to taste your cooking, Chef Fatty. I haven't eaten a decent meal in days. It's all thanks to you today."
Ye Tiancheng was indeed a bit greedy. So, when he ate the Kung Pao Chicken with rice, his taste buds were greatly satisfied, and he sighed comfortably.
"Amazing! As expected of the chef I admire the most. Your cooking is really something. It's truly delicious and unforgettable."
This was something to be admired. It was too delicious, making people's mouths greasy. That feeling was really good.
"Then try this preserved egg with chili. I fried the chili, and it's especially delicious. Eating it all will give you great satisfaction."
"Okay, let's eat. Later, I want to try your spicy tofu. It looks very appetizing."
Ye Tiancheng was really hungry. He didn't let any dish go and quickly finished the dishes with everyone.
"Are you guys the outsiders who just arrived?" The mayor of Plum Blossom Town was also an elderly man, but before they could answer, he was immediately attracted by the smell of the food.
"It smells so good! It looks so delicious. Since the ingredients are from our house, shouldn't I get to eat for free?"
Ye Tiancheng finally reacted and quickly apologized to the mayor, saying they were too hungry and couldn't wait for him. Since they couldn't contact him, they had taken his things without permission.
"No need to apologize. Just eat it. I believe you all look like honest people and won't pose any threat to our home. Besides, how could someone who cooks such good food be a bad person?"
Anyway, since there was food, the mayor of Plum Blossom Town wouldn't have any objections and started eating frantically.
"There's more here, it's all for you."
If the mayor of Plum Blossom Town hadn't suddenly appeared, Ye Tiancheng would have probably mixed the rice directly into the plate and eaten it all. Now, he had restrained himself quite a bit, as he didn't want to make a scene. Cooking in someone else's house without permission, he had to leave some for them.
Soon, the mayor of Plum Blossom Town swept away all the food. His fondness for the fatty's mixed dishes was not feigned, as the plates were spotless, as if they had been scrubbed.
"It's so delicious, I want to eat another meal."
"Don't rush, take your time. I want to see if you like all the dishes made by our Chef Fatty."
The mayor seemed like he hadn't seen anyone for a long time. He excitedly clasped Ye Tiancheng's hands.
"I heard you're going to Hope City. I advise you not to go. That place is very strange. People often go there, but after passing through here, I haven't seen them return. Why don't you stay with me for a few more days? I live alone, and this way, I can eat the delicious food you make."
What he said was so obvious that everyone understood. It seemed that Hope City was indeed an ominous place, which everyone knew.
"We're going into Hope City tomorrow morning. But Mayor, don't worry. Since you're taking us in today, I'll have the chef make you some delicious food, and then we'll freeze it in the refrigerator for you to heat up and eat slowly."
Ye Tiancheng had now learned to be smooth and sociable. He didn't just like to solve problems with force like before. As long as things could be resolved, there was no need to make things so awkward. Everything could be done slowly.
"Alright, I'm not insisting on you staying. I'm just worried about your safety. However, let this Chef Fatty make breakfast tomorrow morning. I think his cooking is incredibly skillful. I've never eaten such delicious food. You must be extraordinary people, with the skill of an international chef."
What the mayor said was almost embarrassing. The fatty, with his thick skin, felt a bit uneasy, showing it through a blush.
"It's not that exaggerated. Tomorrow morning, I'll just make some steamed buns, which can be frozen in the refrigerator and eaten slowly."
"That's great! Chef Fatty, I've been waiting for you to say that. I'll go prepare new quilts for you. You can rest assured tonight at my house."