The delicacies of the heavens begin with obtaining gem meat.

Just as Dongba was filled with doubt and uncertainty, Jiang Yan suddenly looked up at Dongba with a strange smile on his face.

"Mr. Dongba, why aren't you drinking?"

Dongba's throat bobbed, he chuckled dryly, and braced himself to pull open the tab on the can of beverage in his hand. He tilted his head back and gulped down several mouthfuls to cover up his guilty conscience.

The icy drink slid down his throat, but it did nothing to quell the panic in his heart.

"Um... I have something to say to the other candidates, let's talk another day."

Dongba made an excuse and prepared to slip away.

Although he wasn't sure if Jiang Yan had detected it, he figured it was best to retreat as soon as possible.

"Okay, let's chat again when we have time."

Jiang Yan smiled and waved his hand, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, but he didn't intend to stop him.

Watching Dongba's departing figure, Jiang Yan casually tossed the empty beverage can into the trash can, then took out a piece of dried meat jerky and slowly began to chew it.

He looked at all the candidates again, silently memorizing each person's number and appearance.

Killua, number 99, with short silver hair and an indifferent expression, was casually drinking a beverage given to him by Tonpa.

Jiang Yan glanced at it, then didn't pay much attention to it.

After a while, a figure with many needles stuck in his face walked in, and the number on his chest was 301.

It was Illumi Zoldyck, or rather, Illumi Zoldyck.

Jiang Yan's gaze lingered on Illumi Zoldyck for a moment before he subtly looked away.

Illumi Zoldyck, a troublesome guy just like Hisoka.

Fortunately, if you don't make contact with him, the danger is much less than that of Hisoka.

..............................

Time passed slowly.

The elevator doors opened again, and Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio walked out together.

All candidates have now arrived.

Jiang Yan glanced at the three of them and continued chewing on his jerky.

He didn't want to get too close to Xiao Jie and the others.

On the one hand, it would be easy for Hisoka, that "fruit farmer," to target him.

After all, Hisoka was very interested in Gon, this "green apple".

On the other hand, it was entirely because they were afraid of trouble and felt that their personalities clashed.

Xiao Jie is a pure Enhancer type. Although he is straightforward, his stubbornness can be a headache.

Kurapika carries the blood feud of his entire clan's annihilation, and his Nen ability is specifically tailor-made for the Phantom Troupe.

However, when it came to actually facing the Phantom Troupe, he missed a golden opportunity due to his indecisiveness.

Although he eventually killed Uvogin, he was tormented by his own actions. Jiang Yan could not agree with such a character.

As for Killua and Leorio, Jiang Yan had no intention of developing a close relationship with them.

Although Killua values ​​loyalty, in Jiang Yan's opinion, only Gon can be considered Killua's true friend; Kurapika and Leorio are at most companions.

Moreover, being close to Killua makes him an easy target for Illumi, a brother-obsessed maniac.

Leorio's personality is not bad; he is loyal and righteous, and has a clear mind. It's just that he looks a bit too old.

But since we've already decided to keep our distance from Gon and his friends, there's no need to get involved with Leorio.

Jiang Yan was happy to have some peace and quiet, but Dongba was already getting restless.

Upon seeing Xiao Jie and his two clearly new faces, the "newcomer killer's" eyes lit up instantly, his smile grew even more friendly, and he quickly approached them, striking up a familiar conversation.

..............................

Just as Dongba was enthusiastically explaining the precautions for the Hunter Exam to Xiao Jie and the other two, a shrill scream suddenly shattered the tranquility of the hall.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw a candidate kneeling on the ground in agony, his hands turning into delicate flower petals at a speed visible to the naked eye, fluttering and scattering in the air, an extremely eerie sight.

The surrounding examinees were so frightened that they all backed away, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.

In the end, only the screaming examinee and Hisoka, who was standing calmly to the side, remained in that area.

Jiang Yan squinted, carefully examining the scattered petals.

It looks real, but it's actually a trick Hisoka used to create a "light illusion".

Hisoka looked at the screaming examinee, licked his lips, and said in an exaggerated tone with his signature, somewhat crazed smile on his face.

"Oh my, this is incredible! My hand turned into flower petals and disappeared!"

Then he spread his hands, looking completely innocent.

"I didn't do anything wrong."

Despite this, the surrounding examinees still didn't believe him, and their eyes were filled with apprehension as they looked at Hisoka.

However, Hisoka seemed to enjoy being watched, and bent down to look at the examinee who was in excruciating pain on the ground, and kindly reminded him.

"Be careful, if you bump into someone, you'll have to apologize."

Upon hearing this, everyone became even more certain that this matter was definitely Hisoka's doing.

Xiao Jie and his two companions were dumbfounded, their faces filled with shock, and the pressure in their hearts suddenly increased.

Seeing this, Tonpa immediately leaned over and lowered his voice to tell the three about Hisoka's "glorious deeds" and the dangers of the Hunter Exam, trying to get closer to them.

..............................

After chatting for a few more minutes, Dongba used the same trick again, taking out several cans of drinks from his backpack and eagerly distributing them to Xiao Jie and the other two. He also opened a can for himself and took a few sips in front of them.

As expected, Gon and Leorio were completely unprepared and pulled the tab, ready to pour it into their mouths.

Kurapika was initially hesitant, but seeing Tonpa drinking so readily, he lowered his guard and opened the can.

Dongba was secretly pleased with himself as he watched this scene, but then he saw Xiao Jie frown after taking a sip.

Then, with a "pfft," he spat out the drink in his mouth.

"Mr. Dongba, is this drink expired? It tastes really weird!"

Upon hearing this, Leorio was so frightened that he quickly spat out the drink in his mouth and patted his chest in relief.

"Really? That's too dangerous! I almost drank it!"

Kurapika, who was about to drink, paused, looked at Tonpa thoughtfully, and his eyes held a scrutinizing gaze.

Dongba's smile froze on his face. He scratched his head awkwardly, but he was completely puzzled.

How come it was detected by taste again?!

"Huh? Really? Maybe I left it out for too long and didn't notice..."

As he spoke, he simply knelt down on the ground and apologized sincerely.

"I'm so sorry, I really didn't notice the drink was expired!"

"It's okay, it's okay, you don't need to apologize like that."

Xiao Jie quickly waved his hand, then looked at Dongba with concern.

"But Mr. Dongba, you've drunk so much, is your stomach alright?"

"Oh? It's nothing, it's nothing! I'm perfectly fine!"

Dongba quickly waved his hand, but just then, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen.

This left Dongba completely bewildered.

"..."

Just as Dongba was about to say something, the abdominal pain intensified.

"...Excuse me, I'll take my leave now."

With that, Dongba quickly clenched his buttocks and ran awkwardly toward the toilet.

"?"

Kurapika looked at Tonpa's retreating figure with a puzzled expression.

Did he misunderstand Dongba? The other party didn't tamper with the drink.

Not far away, Jiang Yan saw this scene and a smile appeared on his lips.

It seems that Dongba's powerful laxatives are quite effective!