Yuhan He opened her eyes...

She witnessed a jarring scene: a burly man clad in Blood Armor swung a fist at a frail-looking youth!

But the youth blocked it with one hand, while the other held a fork spearing a meat chunk—still chewing nonchalantly, utterly ignoring his attacker.

"Munch, munch. For such a big guy, that’s all you’ve got?" Lin Ming mumbled through his food.

The guard, Bai Yan, had just received silent approval from City Lord Song Dugu to discipline this arrogant Azure Spirit Academy student. His plan was simple: land one punch, then beat him senseless. Later, the City Lord could charge him with disrespect. Azure Spirit Academy wouldn’t intervene—their strength fell short anyway.

But when Bai Yan threw his punch, his expression shifted. Though not a Body Cultivator, he was Rank B! He’d channeled Spirit Energy into the blow—hidden but potent. Yet Lin Ming effortlessly caught it with his palm, looking utterly relaxed.

"You—" Bai Yan started.

Seeing trouble, City Lord Song Dugu barked, "Bai Yan, stand down! Is this how you treat guests?"

"My lord..." Bai Yan knew it was over and retreated obediently.

"Young friend, my deepest apologies!" Song Dugu said with a forced smile. He’d seen Lin Ming deflect that punch so casually—a chill ran through him.

"Ah, no worries! No worries! Tell him not to flex without the strength next time. If other Academy seniors came, this wouldn’t end so easily," Lin Ming waved dismissively.

"Quite right. Everyone, please continue dining," Song Dugu told Rosen and Yuhan He, then began eating himself.

Rosen started after the City Lord did. Yuhan He had been itching to eat; only her manners stopped her from devouring like Lin Ming.

After a few bites, she whispered to Rosen, "Grandpa, did you know Senior Lin would be fine? That’s why you stopped me?"

Rosen finished a piece of steak. "I’m unsure of his exact strength, but his physical power is the strongest here."

"I see!" Yuhan He didn’t grasp "strongest here," but trusted Senior Lin was strong.

"..." Rosen decided not to explain further—it’d be troublesome. "Strongest physical power" meant even the two A Rank individuals present couldn’t match Lin Ming in raw might.

"Hey, Lord Song! Hurry up with more dishes—it’s almost gone!" Lin Ming called, gnawing on a beef rib.

"What?!" Song Dugu stared in horror. The table was nearly empty—how had it vanished so fast?!

Darknight finally understood Lin Ming’s earlier words. He urged the servants, "Quick! To the kitchen for more!"

Rosen and Yuhan He watched the food disappear rapidly but ate slowly—their appetites were small. Song Dugu, however, had planned this feast for himself. Seeing a rival eater, he sped up, fearing Lin Ming would finish his dinner.

Lin Ming matched his pace. Dishes arrived but vanished instantly.

Twenty minutes later...

Plates stacked like small towers before Lin Ming and Song Dugu. Rosen sipped tea leisurely. Yuhan He counted aloud: "Twenty-one, twenty-two... forty-nine, fifty."

"Wow! Senior Lin, you won! You have fifteen more than the City Lord!" she cheered.

"Hmph! Of course! Who do you think I am?" Lin Ming lifted his chin proudly.

Song Dugu gaped—he’d never met someone who could out-eat him!

"Ahem, City Lord, let’s discuss business," Darknight coughed, snapping him out of it.

"Ahem! We’ve eaten. Time for serious matters," Song Dugu straightened up. Darknight signaled servants to clear the table.

"Right! Right! The concert! The concert!" Yuhan He exclaimed.

Song Dugu smiled gently. "Miss He, patience. This is part of it too."

"Oh."

His expression turned grave. "Recently, Wind City has suffered disappearances. Many people."

Lin Ming’s eyes narrowed slightly—no one noticed.

Yuhan He made a "so scary" face.

Rosen pondered quietly—he’d sensed Wind City felt off lately.

Song Dugu continued, "They were kidnapped. Residents panic. We claimed the culprit was caught, but... we haven’t. Sigh!"

"Seriously? As City Lord, you can’t catch a human trafficker? Pathetic!" Lin Ming mocked.

Darknight shot up. "You don’t understand! It’s not one trafficker—it’s a group. Their leader’s strength rivals the City Lord’s—"

"Darknight, enough," Song Dugu cut him off.

"Then why summon us?" Rosen asked.

Song Dugu smiled. "I want young Lin Ming to find their hideout and rescue the captives."

Lin Ming blinked, then grinned. "Sure. What’s the price?"

"Uh..." Song Dugu hadn’t expected such a quick agreement. He laughed heartily. "Good! You’re straightforward. Rescue them, and I’ll pay 100,000 Gold Coins."

"Deal."

"What about the concert?" Yuhan He asked anxiously.

"Ah, yes. The concert..."