Chapter 632 - 621: City Lord Candidate

"Have a seat."

Ding Ling sat at the head of the table, turning from guest to host, his expression and words extremely indifferent.

Shangguan Jinhong and Chengkun felt a jolt in their hearts, glanced at Duann Lang, seeing that he looked down, focused inwardly, and leisurely sat on the seat on the right, with a demeanor of being entirely undistracted, they couldn’t help but feel hatred gnaw at them.

The two had reached this point.

How could they not understand?

Duann Lang had abandoned them, defecting to Ding Ling.

They wanted to vent their anger, but thinking of Ding Ling’s great divine techniques, they could only suppress their unrest and anger, and quietly walked aside to sit down.

"We were unaware of Hero Ding’s arrival and neglected to greet you, please forgive us!"

Shangguan Jinhong took the initiative to speak:

"If there has been any inadequacy in our hospitality, Hero Ding can certainly criticize us, and I will definitely correct it."

Chengkun hurriedly echoed with similar words.

Both felt stifled inside.

What kind of situation is this?

It’s the typical case of sitting at home and disaster striking from the sky!

If they had known that sending the Ten Great Evildoers and the Profound Nether Two Elders to search for the Secret Manual of City’s Love would have caused such a bizarre situation, they would never have done it!

"I’d rather not waste time with idle talk."

Ding Ling did not drink tea either, setting down the cup in his hand, glancing at Chengkun and Shangguan Jinhong, and said calmly:

"I want Duann Lang to become the City Lord of Unrivaled City. What do you think?"

Duann Lang was taken aback, then overjoyed, unable to contain the excitement and joy in his heart, to the extent that his previously calm face became slightly distorted.

Recently, he had been very discreet, being clever and calculating, thus generally keeping a low profile in public.

Having been struck down so many times, he had become much more mature, knowing when to say what, and do what, displaying wisdom.

But now, with Ding Ling’s sudden announcement, he was caught off guard, and it was instantly overwhelming, he couldn’t keep himself together.

If Ding Ling weren’t right in front of him, he might have stood up, put his hands on his hips, and laughed out loud toward the sky three times.

Nie Feng saw this and truly felt happy for Duann Lang from the bottom of his heart, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Shangguan Jinhong and Chengkun, clearly preparing to see how they would choose, and what they would do.

As for why Ding Ling chose Duann Lang to be the City Lord, it was because Nie Feng was too honest and upright, and facing schemers like Shangguan Jinhong and Chengkun, he would easily suffer losses.

Duann Lang would fare much better.

Additionally, Ding Ling needed someone like Duann Lang to manage affairs and collect the Secret Manuals.

Compared to Shangguan Jinhong and Chengkun, Ding Ling definitely trusted Duann Lang more! After all, Duann Lang had already learned about his father’s situation from Nie Feng, further heightening his trust, gratitude, and respect towards Ding Ling!

He could be counted as one of Ding Ling’s own people.

"This..."

Shangguan Jinhong was stunned, then forcibly suppressed his depression and displeasure, pretending to be composed as he said:

"Since Hero Ding has spoken, how can I have any reason to disagree?"

Chengkun hurriedly echoed in agreement, throughout he seemed to adopt a Buddhist attitude, merely acting as Shangguan Jinhong’s echo.

But Ding Ling, having read novels and watched TV dramas, naturally knew about Chengkun’s treachery and nastiness.

He glanced at the two, saying:

"Since you have no objections, let’s settle it. Duann Lang, from this moment forward, you are the City Lord of Unrivaled City, and Unrivaled City is yours to govern."

"Yes, Venerable Lord!"

Duann Lang, full of rosy energy and vigor, seemed alive again, with boundless enthusiasm, striding to the center hall, proclaiming loudly:

"I will certainly not disappoint the Venerable Lord’s great expectations, and will work diligently and tirelessly, bringing the brightest future to Unrivaled City’s development!"

"Hmm."

Ding Ling nodded, speaking affirmatively:

"I hope you can find some talented individuals with governance abilities. Unrivaled City is too impoverished, and there are many poor people around. I hope in the future, Unrivaled City will become prosperous, and everyone will have clothes to wear and food to eat. Do you have the confidence?"

For the first time, Duann Lang was trusted and valued this much, his heart brimming with excitement and joy, upon hearing Ding Ling’s question, he immediately patted his chest and vowed:

"Yes! If I fail, I will present my head to the Venerable Lord!"

"No need to present your head, just do your best and remain true to your mission."

Ding Ling advised Duann Lang with a few words.

Urging him to prioritize talent acquisition and retention.

As for some who are brutally wicked, delighting in oppressing the innocent and kind citizens, there’s no need to keep such evildoers in Unrivaled City.

Such villains should either be killed or driven away.

Unrivaled City’s territory does not need such people.

Duann Lang listened attentively, nodding solemnly from time to time.

Ding Ling was infinitely stronger than Xiong Ba.

He was even the Emperor of the Lower Realm, too esteemed in position, and greatly revered by Duann Lang’s father as an elite!

Such a figure actually values him, Duann Lang, so highly!

Could he, Duann Lang, possibly have a reason not to swear allegiance?

Duann Lang initially harbored numerous other thoughts regarding Ding Ling, but upon Nie Feng’s introduction of Ding Ling, and learning his father was alive, Duann Lang was extremely excited and delighted, had it not been for the pressing affairs before him, he would have immediately sought to meet his father.

After Ding Ling finished advising Duann Lang.

Ding Ling waved his hand.

Urging Duann Lang to immediately prepare.

Duann Lang cheerfully left the room.

Following him out was Chengkun.

Chengkun left, naturally to announce that the Heroes Gathering had changed leadership!

Shangguan Jinhong, however, stood firm, staring intently at Ding Ling.

Ding Ling rose, ignoring him, intending to leave.

Yet, he stopped Ding Ling, very seriously saying:

"I have long heard how remarkable Hero Ding is. I consider myself to have some skills and wish to ask Hero Ding for guidance."

"You wish to spar with me?"

Ding Ling halted, glanced sideways and asked.

"I wouldn’t dare."

Shangguan Jinhong’s expression tightened, somewhat nervously he replied, "I know I’m absolutely no match for Hero Ding, merely seek your advice on my martial arts."

"Hehe."

Ding Ling chuckled lightly, knowing Shangguan Jinhong’s scheming mind, Ding Ling was proficient in Observing People Skills, seeing through it easily, it was obvious he wanted to use the pretext of seeking guidance to test Ding Ling’s competence.

If Ding Ling’s competence were indeed as the legends say, he would certainly avoid confrontation now and plan for another day.

If Ding Ling were lacking in competence, there’s a chance he’d immediately turn hostile.

Ding Ling had no inclination to indulge him, straightforwardly said:

"You want advice? What will you do if you lose?"

"..."

Shangguan Jinhong hesitated:

"If I lose, I lose. What else can be done?"

"Then why should I instruct you?"

Ding Ling questioned.

Shangguan Jinhong was speechless for a while, then said:

"I am willing to offer all the martial arts and wealth I have gathered."

"Unrivaled City is already mine. The martial arts and wealth you’ve gathered, are they not also mine?"

"Hero Ding, you, you, you..."

Shangguan Jinhong took a breath and said:

"Then consider my martial arts as the stake."

"Make your move."

"In that case, Hero Ding, I apologize!"