[[[ PLEASE REVIEWS--1REVIEW=1CHAPTER]]]
Looking at the system panel showing his points halved, Lin Feng felt like his soul had been ripped out.
"Where… are my points?"
He roared silently in his mind.
"Where did all my points go?!"
Moments ago, he had been happily thinking he'd finally encountered a big customer. Now, in a blink, his own system had scammed him out of half his points!
"System! You can just deduct points? Can't we negotiate? How about… not deducting them?"
He pleaded with the system mentally, his usual inscrutable, profound demeanor completely gone in front of the System.
The System's reply was merciless.
"No! And not only are points reduced this time, but if any leek violates the rules in the future, the small-fry Host's points will also be deducted."
"You must ensure this situation happens as little as possible."
The disdain in the System's voice cut through Lin Feng like a knife.
If he had known this earlier, he would have intimidated Chrysanthemum Douluo from the start, no matter what.
Lin Feng groaned internally. It was like painstakingly saving ten thousand gold coins, preparing to indulge—and then immediately losing five thousand before he could enjoy it. Anyone would be frustrated!
The System, however, seemed almost thoughtful in response.
"Don't be too disheartened, small-fry Host. Think of it this way: this deterrence will make future leeks less likely to break the rules. It's a permanent solution."
Lin Feng nodded slightly. At least the System had a silver lining.
But he was still in a foul mood—and decided Chrysanthemum Douluo would share in his suffering tonight!
His points were halved, and so this Juhua (Chrysanthemum Douluo) would experience the same frustration: winning and then losing.
A mischievous smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
He lifted his right hand slowly, index finger tapping the air, expression indifferent and unfathomable.
"Your luck is good. You've won the grand prize."
"The… grand prize?!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes went wide, his purple-tinged face flushing with excitement.
The grand prize!
While Hu Liena and the others had only eaten a bowl of simple noodles and gained a bit of spirit power, he—after spending over sixty thousand gold coins—had won something extraordinary!
"It's an Immortal Herb: qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum."
Chrysanthemum Douluo froze. His body stiffened.
Qi Rong Tong Tian Chrysanthemum?
His eyes widened in disbelief.
That was an Immortal Herb with the same origin as his Spirit!
To others, it might be a valuable medicinal herb—but to him, Chrysanthemum Douluo, it was destined fortune!
Could it now be in the hands of this senior? His heart pounded as he stared at Lin Feng.
"Senior… are you talking about… qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum? You have it?"
His voice trembled, a mixture of disbelief and joy.
This was an Immortal-grade herb! He had searched the continent for years, but had never found it. To possess it would mean a breakthrough in his strength, possibly ascending to a whole new level!
Lin Feng nodded faintly. A flash of light appeared in his right hand, revealing a golden chrysanthemum—perfectly formed, almost identical to the Spirit Chrysanthemum Douluo usually summoned.
Chrysanthemum Douluo trembled with excitement.
His hands reached out involuntarily, wanting to touch this prized Immortal Herb.
Hu Liena and the others were speechless, stunned at the sight of Chrysanthemum Douluo completely losing composure.
Normally flamboyant and dignified, this Titled Douluo now looked like a child given their most coveted toy. If his stomach weren't still painfully full, he might have danced on the spot in excitement!
"Elder Ju, is this Immortal Herb really that precious?" Yan asked softly.
"Precious?" Chrysanthemum Douluo's gaze remained locked on the golden chrysanthemum as he spoke.
"Yan, do you know what this means? If I refine this qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum, it will break the bottleneck that has held me back for years. My Spirit will evolve!"
"Level 96! Level 97! Maybe even level 99!"
Hu Liena and the others gasped in unison.
Level 99!
In the Spirit Hall, only Great Priest Qian Daoliu had ever reached this realm!
Lin Feng waved his hand lazily. "What are you thanking me for? If you get this qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum today, I'll even write my name backward, alright?"
He slowly controlled the herb, letting it drift toward Chrysanthemum Douluo.
The golden chrysanthemum floated closer.
Chrysanthemum Douluo trembled, carefully extending his hands, fearing any sudden movement might damage it.
Closer… closer…
He could feel the gentle energy emanating from the herb.
And just as his fingers brushed it—
Whoosh!
The qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum suddenly shot back into Lin Feng's hand, as if pulled by an invisible force!
"What?!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes went wide. Empty hands. Complete bewilderment.
He had just been told he won the grand prize… so why did it vanish in an instant?
Looking up, he saw Lin Feng casually playing with the herb in his palm, a faint, playful smile on his lips.
"You still have the nerve to ask?" Lin Feng said lazily, his sarcasm cutting deep.
"According to the rules, yes, you should have won this prize after eating and drawing."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's hope rekindled.
But Lin Feng's tone shifted.
"However!"
Like a bucket of cold water, the word drenched him.
"First, you tried to dine and dash. That's a violation of the basic rules here."
"Second, I warned you not to order too much to avoid waste, but you ignored me."
"Finally, even though you finished the dishes, was that truly enjoying the food?"
His eyes turned icy.
"That was like casting pearls before swine! Wasting heavenly treasures!"
"What did you think my carefully prepared delicacies were for? Pig feed?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo opened his mouth to argue… and found himself speechless.
"Your performance displeases me. This reward is confiscated."
Lin Feng clenched his right hand, and the golden qi rong tong tian chrysanthemum vanished instantly, leaving no trace.