Ize's intention was clear: robbery and murder.
The leader, terrified, stammered, "Vice President, are you planning to silence us?!"
"I've known the Secret Realm Exploration Association for many years. Even your president is an old friend of mine. How could you think such a thing!"
"I watched you grow..."
*Squelch!!!*
Blood splattered.
"Noisy!"
"I've heard enough of you old folks' nonsense!"
Looking at Zhang Wei, Ize wiped the blood from his collar.
"It's your turn."
Zhang Wei shook his head. "I can't bring myself to betray and murder for profit, which is why I chose to trade with you."
"In fact, I've never killed anyone before."
"But that doesn't mean I'm afraid to kill. As a chef, would it not be a joke to fear taking a life?"
"Unfortunately, you've pushed my limits. Originally..."
"You could have lived."
Looking at the tragically deceased leader, Zhang Wei felt inexplicably irritated.
Though the old man was foolish and long-winded, he had been relatively just.
As he spoke, Zhang Wei tore off his tiger skin, revealing his sun-kissed skin.
His body slowly swelled as the power he had suppressed with 'Devour' was unleashed, making him appear a size larger.
"So young!"
"He's even younger than the Vice President!"
The crowd exclaimed in surprise. They had assumed anyone with such culinary skills would be a renowned, long-established master chef.
To find out he looked no older than eighteen or nineteen!
The Vice President, who had achieved mastery in both martial arts and cooking by the age of thirty, was already hailed as an unparalleled young prodigy.
If the Vice President was a young prodigy, what should this person be called!
"Strange, he looks a bit familiar..."
"Isn't he one of the Vice Presidents of the World Treasure Association... an assistant chef!"
"Yes, I've seen him too! He was right next to the Soul of Soup, and because he was so young, he left a deep impression!"
Ize frowned. "Assistant chef?"
In Ize's view, individuals of that caliber were automatically filtered out, leaving no impression whatsoever.
"Is he a villain with ulterior motives, or a master hidden by the World Treasure Association?"
"Vice President, be careful. This guy probably knows you swept through the Century Treasure Association and has gathered intelligence on you."
"To dare pursue after knowing the Vice President's divine might, he must be no ordinary petty trickster."
Ize calmed his subordinates, slowly shedding his burdens, and pointed at Zhang Wei from a distance.
"Did you really think you could defeat me, the Gastronomic Investigator, by using your full strength?"
As he spoke, he repeatedly poked at major pressure points on his body. With each touch, steam erupted, and his bones and sinews popped like exploding beans!
"Full Power Mode!"
"Maintaining this state consumes an enormous amount of calories every moment, but it's worth it to deal with you."
"Be grateful; it's your cooking that has earned you a dignified death!"
Zhang Wei shook his head. "Do all villains have to be so verbose?"
"You court death!"
Drawing his waist sword and holding it across his chest, veins like earthworms bulged on his body.
"Secret Technique: Seven Embellishments..."
*Crack!!!!*
An abrupt sound!
Zhang Wei remained in his palm-striking stance, but Ize had already been sent flying far away.
A mouthful of blood erupted, along with several molars.
His once handsome face was severely swollen, and blood seeped from his ears.
The onlookers were stunned, utterly unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"Did you... see that?"
"It looks like this person... slapped the Vice President?"
"Damn it! That's impossible!"
"How did he enter the domain of the Seven Embellishment Fierce Slash without being torn to shreds!"
The crowd quickly moved to shield Ize, drawing their weapons and preparing to charge.
"Stop!"
Ize wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and struggled to stand.
"This is my duel."
Saying that, Ize produced a two-colored pill from his pocket.
One was dark red, exuding a potent腥味 (xīng wèi - fishy/bloody smell).
The other was emerald green, with a sweet, fruity aroma.
Looking at the two pills, Zhang Wei said calmly, "Is this your last resort?"
"Bring out everything else you have. I'm in a hurry."
Zhang Wei made no move to interrupt. His current enemy was too weak; he couldn't even test his own strength.
Just like Wuyong half a month ago, too weak!
Extremely weak!
Although Ize's strength far surpassed Wuyong's, Zhang Wei was not the same as he was then.
For the past half-month, Zhang Wei had consumed the nourishment of nearly three hundred people daily, and his appetite had become even more voracious recently!
Ize's gaze towards the two-colored pills was filled with trepidation, but he swallowed the red pill without hesitation.
Almost as soon as it entered his stomach, Ize's skin turned crimson, and his eyes were bloodshot.
It was as if he had drunk a bowl of chili oil in one gulp!
"This is a new drug developed by the Secret Realm Exploration Association. The one I just took is called the Pigeon Blood Pill; it forcibly awakens the Gluttony Demon and initiates autophagy!"
"The green one is called the Emerald Pill; it provides immense energy and protection, preventing me from dying from the Pigeon Blood Pill's potency."
"However, it's a pity that the ingredients for the Emerald Pill are still incomplete. If the Rainbow Fruit could be added, it would perfectly neutralize all side effects!"
As he spoke, the demonic shadow behind Ize became increasingly distinct. Zhang Wei could even feel its tangible presence!
Ize's fangs gradually grew, his eyes became more hollow, and his heavy breaths expelled waves of heat.
"Vice President, are you alright?" The guards were clearly terrified by Ize.
"Problem? What problem could there be?"
"I can feel power surging within me!"
Saying that, Ize stared intently at Zhang Wei with vacant eyes, "It's all your fault! Otherwise, why would I risk so much and take the Pigeon Blood Pill!"
"I will kill you!"
Discarding all technique, Ize lunged at Zhang Wei like a madman.
With every step he took, the ground cracked, and his speed and power had increased by at least severalfold!
*Slap!!*
Another loud slap.
Ize's charge was abruptly halted, and more of his molars were knocked out.
Zhang Wei frowned. "Indeed, he's much stronger now. I used seven-tenths of my strength, and he only retreated three steps!"
With all his molars gone, Ize's facial structure became incredibly bizarre.
His canines, affected by the demonic power, protruded outwards, making him resemble a famished rodent.
"Ahhhhhh!!!!"
The two heavy blows, combined with the pills, had destroyed Ize's last vestiges of reason.
His muscles convulsed, as if trying to squeeze out the last ounce of his strength!
Watching Ize struggle with all his might, Zhang Wei felt a hint of disappointment. With so many trump cards, hidden skills, and martial techniques... could he only reach this level of power?
If it were half a month ago, he might have enjoyed it.
But now...
"Sigh, let's end this."
Saying that, Zhang Wei drew his fist back to his side.
"Can you withstand the appetite of three hundred people with this punch!"