"That''s nearly three times the cost for the Dragon yer organization. Such a price is not favorable for either of us," Edmund stated.


    Botani red at Edmund and asked, "Then why did you still do it?"


    Edmund replied, "Master, it wasn''t my fault. Hanson led the Dragon yer members to storm my residencete at night, causing this tragic event. As the lord of Buck Town, I must maintain my dignity. If anyone can intrude into my mansion in the middle of the night, wouldn''t I be aughingstock?"


    Hearing this, Botani took a deep breath and said, "Hanson once told me that your mansion harbored dragon n cultivators. I assumed that he intruded at night to search for them and expected you to let him leave out of respect for me."


    Wilbur and Edmund exchanged surprised nces. They did not expect Botani to be unaware of the true situation. It seemed Hanson, seeking to im all the credit, had not informed Botani that Edmund himself was a dragon n cultivator.


    "However, I didn''t expect you to kill them. Not only that, but you also beheaded twenty-two Dragon yers and hung their heads on the gate. Your actions have humiliated me."


    Edmund said, "Master Botani, I had no choice. Please forgive me."


    Botani coldly replied, "I wouldn''t dare fault you now, would I? Now, I want you to offer a solution to this so I can face my hundreds of brothers in the Dragon yer organization."


    "Uhm..." Edmund asked out of confusion, "Master Botani, what do you want me to do?"


    Botani took a deep breath and said, "When you became City Lord, you challenged the nine great masters of the city and defeated eight. I was the ninth. I didn''t participate in that fight back then, but now, I believe that you, Edmund, are not qualified to be the City Lord of Buck Town. So, I think there must be a fight between us. If you defeat me, you can continue ruling as City Lord. But if you lose, don''t me me for being rude."


    Upon hearing this, Edmund said nervously, "Master Botani, I didn''t mean to. I... I''m the City Lord of Buck Town, I..."


    "Ugh!"


    As he spoke, Edmund spat out a mouthful of blood and clutched his chest. Wilbur hurriedly supported Edmund and said, "Master Botani, Lord Edmund is already seriously injured. Challenging him now is simply unfair."


    Botani red at Wilbur and said, "Then what do you suggest? How should I exin this to my brothers in the Dragon yer organization?"


    Ardy angrily said, "Hmph, since you care so much about Lord Edmund, why don''t you fight Master Botani on his behalf? If you don''t have the skill, then don''t grandstand here."


    "You!" Wilbur growled.


    "Stop!" Edmund grabbed Wilbur''s hand. Botani sneered and said, "Hmph, killing one or two makes no difference to me. I''ll give you a chance: you both cane at me together. How about that?"


    Wilbur responded, "You said it. Don''t regret itter!"


    "Wilbur!" Edmund shouted, "We are no match for Master Botani!"