Gourmet Of Another World

CHAPTER 121 TO 130

Chapter 121: The Smelly Boss Who Prefers New Over Old?

Rustling white snow that was light like goosefeather drifted down from the sky, covering the opulent imperial palace with a layer of silvery coat and adding a slight eeriness to the majesty of the Main Hall.

Ji Chengxue was wearing a white robe as he slowly headed toward the Main Hall. His hair was bound using only a string and he was wearing very little accessories.

The snow that accumulated on the path toward the Main Hall was already cleared away by the imperial palace's eunuchs, making the path easy to walk on. However, the further Ji Chengxue walked, the more he felt an oppressive feeling.

After passing through the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, the Main Hall was right before his eyes. He climbed a set of stone stairs and reached the entrance of the Main Hall. The eunuchs and court ladies that were nervously making preparations in the area hurriedly greeted him.

Ji Chengxue gently nodded and indicated them to continue with their work. With his hands held behind his back, he stepped into the Main Hall, the place where his father often stayed while he was still alive.

In the current Main Hall, the figure filled with vigor and determination from back then had already disappeared. Only an empty hall, seemingly left with helplessness and lament, remained.

Lian Fu slowly walked out from the back of the Main Hall. He seemed somewhat tired and faint dark circles had appeared around his eyes. His head of hair became eye-catching after turning white.

"Lian Gonggong," Ji Chengxue did not dare to look down on this chief of eunuchs. After all, he was a seventh grade Battle-Saint as well as his father's trusted aide.

"Your Highness, what is your purpose for coming here?" Lian Fu said as he lightly swung his horsetail whisk. His high-pitched voice revealed a hint of fatigue and sorrow still lingered on his face.

Lian Fu and the emperor had a close relationship and the two of them apparently grew up together. Now that Emperor Changfeng had passed on, there was no one who was more grief-stricken than Lian Fu.

Ji Chengxue took a deep breath and bowed toward Lian Fu as he said,"Lian Gonggong, I would like to see my father..."

Lian Fu dispiritedly pinched his thumb and middle finger together as he gave Ji Chengxue a glance and immediately refused."No, His Majesty once gave a command that no one is to see his remains before the funeral."

"As a son, can't I see my father for one last time?" Ji Chengxue asked with a frown.

"Your Highness, please turn back. You should know that this humble servant would never disobey His Majesty's decree, even if His Majesty has already passed away."

When Ji Chengxue saw Lian Fu's resolute attitude, he sighed internally and did not continue pestering him. He turned around and left the Main Hall.

Lian Fu's gaze was brooding as he watched Ji Chengxue's disappearing back figure.

...

Bang bang bang!

The sound of someone banging on the door interrupted Bu Fang, who was practicing the Big Dipper Carving Technique. He expressionlessly turned his head and glanced toward the door board that was shaking from the knocking.

Who in the world would be banging on the door at such an early hour?

Bu Fang washed his fair and slender hands and then wiped off the water droplets on them, before walking to the entrance and removing the door board.

Reflected in his eyes was a devastatingly beautiful face covered with a veil. The eyes on that face were excitedly staring at him.

"Owner Bu, you finally opened the door! Hurry up and let me in!" Ni Yan impatiently said.

However, Bu Fang did not move. Using his body to block the way, he expressionlessly looked at her and said,"It's not opening hours yet. Why are you here at such an early hour?"

Ni Yan was stunned for a moment. She immediately lifted up the ingredients in her hand toward Bu Fang and said,"I benefited a lot from eating your dishes yesterday, so I have a sudden itch to demonstrate my skills for you to have a look."

Ni Yan had a lot of confidence in her culinary skills. Everyone within the Celestial Arcanum Sect was subdued by the delicious dishes that she cooked.

Bu Fang pursed his lips as he thought, "There must be something wrong with this woman… Coming here at such an early hour and announcing that she wants to cook for me, is she trying to borrow my kitchen?"

"I don't want to look, and the kitchen isn't for loan," Bu Fang indifferently said.

Ni Yan was suddenly at a loss for words. She was indeed planning to borrow his kitchen. Without a kitchen, how was she going to cook?

Seeing that Bu Fang was about to place the door board back in place, Ni Yan immediately became anxious. True energy gushed out from her body as she held onto the door board and stopped Bu Fang.

"Wait a moment!" Ni Yan shouted.

"Are you trying to cause trouble?" Bu Fang indifferently asked while feeling the surging wave of true energy coming from Ni Yan's body. Thereafter, a beam of red light appeared next to him as Whitey's plump body emerged.

"Troublemakers will be stripped as an example to others," Whitey mechanically said as its eyes flashed.

"Sheesh… You're such an insensitive person. I am sincerely planning to cook for you, yet you are trying to drive me away! How could you treat a beauty in such a manner!" Ni Yan's large eyes were watery, as if she was about to burst into tears.

Ni Yan could feel a terrifying sense of danger from Whitey. She thought, "As expected of someone who could obtain the Phoenix Blood Herb…"

"What's your objective? Don't beat around the bush," Bu said with a frown as he gave Ni Yan a glance.

Once those words were spoken, the tears in Ni Yan's eyes instantly disappeared and she returned to her previous transcendent appearance.

"I want to learn your technique that preserves the spirit energy within the meat of spirit beasts," Ni Yan directly said.

Bu Fang calmly looked straight at Ni Yan, and not wanting to be outdone, Ni Yan stared back at him in return. Both of their gazes collided in the air without any restraints.

"Bang!!"

Bu Fang admitted defeat in the end. This woman's gaze was too sharp, so Bu Fang chose to put the door board back in place.

"I am not going to teach you."

After the door board was placed back in place, Bu Fang's indifferent voice drifted out and travelled into Ni Yan's ears, causing her to space out at the entrance.

...

After a long while, Bu Fang finally finished his morning practice. While carrying the Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs that was just prepared, he removed the door board.

Wrapped in a long robe, Ni Yan was squatting at the entrance. When she saw Bu Fang, she immediately stood up in excitement.

Bu Fang was feeling a slight headache as he thought, "Why is this woman still around..."

"Blacky, it's time to eat," Bu Fang softly said, ignoring the woman. He placed the Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs in front of Blacky and stroked its soft and warm fur before going back into the store.

The opening hours officially began.

"Smelly boss, I am back!"

The sound of running footsteps came from the alleyway and Ouyang Xiaoyi's voice came from afar, soon reaching Bu Fang's ears.

Bu Fang was just placing the dishes in front of Fatty Jin when he looked up in surprise and saw Ouyang Xiaoyi, who had been missing for the past few days, skipping into the store.

From the ecstatic expression on her face, she looked like she was just released… Even though Ouyang Xiaoyi was indeed just released.

The moment Ouyang Xiaoyi stepped into the store, she saw a veil-wearing woman in a loose robe following the smelly boss around. Her eyes immediately widened as she puzzledly asked,"Who are you!"

"Has the smelly boss already found a new waitress? Has he already gotten tired of me?" Ouyang Xiaoyi thought.

"And who's this little brat?" Ni Yan said with a snort after giving Ouyang Xiaoyi a glance and continued to follow Bu Fang around.

Bu Fang walked into the kitchen. Ni Yan wanted to go in as well, but Whitey mercilessly blocked her from entering.

If Ni Yan had not felt that the oppressive feeling that this lump of steel was giving her was too strong, she would have already tore it apart...

Ouyang Xiaoyi pursed her lips. Her heart hurt so much that she could not breathe. The smelly boss who prefers new over old actually found a new waitress. She suddenly felt as if the entire world had forsaken her.

"Xiaoyi, serve the dish."

Just when tears welled up in Ouyang Xiaoyi's eyes and was about to flow out like a dam opening its floodgates, Bu Fang's indifferent voice drifted out from the kitchen.

Ouyang Xiaoyi was stunned for a moment. She sniffed and her face instantly brightened as she eagerly ran toward the window. The smelly boss did not change waitresses!

After passing the dish to Ouyang Xiaoyi who was cheerful for some reason, Bu Fang looked toward Ni Yan and asked with a frown,"Aren't you tired of following me around?"

"If you teach me the technique to control the spirit energy within the meat of spirit beasts, I won't bother you anymore," Ni Yan unreasonably said with a snort.

After thinking for a moment, Bu Fang seriously said,"Then, go and cook a dish that you're most confident in. If you can satisfy me, I'll teach you. Otherwise, don't bother me."

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

Chapter 122: This Elder Sister Is So Beautiful, Why Don't You Spare Me a Few More Glances?

Bu Fang's words immediately caused Ni Yan's eyes to light up and almost curve into crescent moons. She excitedly said,"You better keep your promise! Lend me your kitchen first!"

Without a question, her request to borrow the kitchen was mercilessly rejected by Bu Fang once more.

"Go and borrow the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant's kitchen. My kitchen is not available for outsiders' use," Bu Fang said, while feeling impressed with his own wit.

Ni Yan suspiciously gave Bu Fang a glance and snorted before leaving. Since Bu Fang was not going to lend her the kitchen, she could only use the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant's kitchen. This was her only choice. As for whether the Immortal Phoenix Restaurant was willing… Did they have any other choice?

Only after seeing that Ni Yan had left, Bu Fang let out a sigh of relief. This woman had been following him around like one's shadow since early in the morning and had already severely affected his business.

The alleyway was still filled with whirling snow and whistling cold wind while the interior of the store was particularly warm and cozy.

Ji Chengxue, wearing a white woolen coat, exhaled a cloud of breath as he entered the alleyway. As he stepped into the store, the warm atmosphere inside made him feel somewhat joyful. he took off his thick and heavy woolen overcoat and greeted Bu Fang before turning his gaze toward the menu behind him. During the period when he was on an expedition against the sects, there should be quite a number of new dishes. He said,"Owner Bu, let's see what new dishes you have here."

"Owner Bu, I'll have a serving of Red Braised Meat as well as a jar of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine."

"Oh my, Xiaoyi. It's been a while. You've grown taller and become even prettier," Ji Chengxue said with a chuckle as he patted Ouyang Xiaoyi's head.

Bu Fang nodded. As he headed for the kitchen, he said,"Wait a moment."

A hint of a smile appeared on Ji Chengxue's face as he sniffed the fragrance wafting within the store. Only when he was inside the store he could truly relax. Within this place, he did not need to think about anything, to a point where he did not even need to worry about his safety. In a way, he was somewhat infatuated with the store's atmosphere.

While Ji Chengxue was waiting for Bu Fang to finish cooking the Red Braised Meat, a burst of coquettish laughter came from the alleyway. That laughter was filled with seduction and there was even the sound of bells ringing.

"Elder sister, don't you think this is the store? That incomprehensible black-hearted store from the rumors?" a feminine voice languidly asked in puzzlement.

"It's opened within a remote alleyway. According to the descriptions given by that old man, Hun Qianyun, this should be the place. Let's go, sisters. Let's see what sort of magic this little restaurant has that even Hun Qianyun had to suffer losses."

Thereafter, a burst of merry laughter sounded out, accompanied with the sound of bells ringing as several enchanting and seductive figures stepped into the store.

As her delicate feet stepped into the warm and cozy interior of the store, Wei Xiangsi's red phoenix eyes slightly widened. The outside was a world of ice and snow, yet the interior of the store was like blooming spring. She was truly surprised by the sudden change in environment.

Furthermore, the fragrance wafting within the store was causing Wei Xiangsi to involuntarily lapse into a euphoric state as well. It was truly aromatic.

"Xiaoyi, serve the dish," Bu Fang called out as he placed the Red Braised Meat at the window. Xiaoyi eagerly ran over and brought the Red Braised Meat to Ji Chengxue's table.

Bu Fang walked out of the kitchen with a jar of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine in his hands and placed it in front of Ji Chengxue.

"Please enjoy your meal," Bu Fang said. As he finished speaking, his gaze landed on the three figures that had just stepped into the store.

These three women were wearing revealing outfits, and they were all extremely beautiful and seductive, completely expressing a woman's charm.

"Oh my, the owner is a handsome-looking young man. Come over here, this elder sister wants to make an order." As Wei Xiangsi's gaze landed on Bu Fang, she suddenly covered her mouth and let out a chuckle.

Ji Chengxue sneered as he shook his head and turned his attention back to the Red Braised Meat. These woman from the Joyous Union Sect would be fine if they were here to eat, but if they were here to cause trouble… Things would be interesting.

When Ji Chengxue looked at the overpoweringly fragrant Red Braised Meat with a rosy luster, he could not help but swallow his saliva. He picked up his chopsticks and swiftly popped a piece of meat into his mouth.

The meaty flavor was like a bomb that exploded within his mouth, instantly enveloping his taste buds and causing him to completely enter an euphoric state.

"If you want to order something, look at the menu behind you," Bu Fang expressionlessly said as he gave the three women with revealing outfits a glance before heading toward the kitchen.

Wei Xiangsi did not anticipate that Bu Fang would actually ignore her and was slightly infuriated by this.

"This elder sister is so beautiful, why don't you spare me a few more glances?"

Clink, clink, clink...

With the sound of bells ringing, Wei Xiangsi appeared behind Bu Fang and her fair slender hand clasped onto his shoulder. Her red lips seductively opened and she softly whispered,"Don't go, stay here with this elder sister and give this elder sister your recommendation on what's delicious."

Ouyang Xiaoyi only sensed a wave of fragrance wafting past her and her eyes widened when she saw a woman clinging onto the smelly boss as if she was trying to stick her entire body on Bu Fang.

"How could there be such a shameless woman in this world!" Ouyang Xiaoyi furiously thought, "Is she trying to seduce the smelly boss?"

Bu Fang was frowning as he gave the woman a glance. He expressionlessly said,"Take your hand away from me and stay further away from me. The odor coming from your body is too pungent."

"Oh my, is this younger brother feeling shy?" Wei Xiangsi was surprised for a moment before she let out a chuckle. She stretched out her fair and slender hand and reached for Bu Fang's chin.

"Slap!" Bu Fang expressionlessly lifted his hand and immediately swatted Wei Xiangsi's hand away.

Wei Xiangsi was startled for a moment. Thereafter, the expression on her face gradually became cold and surging waves of true energy appeared around her body as well.

"You're really not planning to give this elder sister any face." Wei Xiangsi started to sneer. Even since she entered the imperial city, she kept hearing that the owner of the black-hearted store was extremely arrogant. Not only were the price of his dishes expensive, his temper was terrible as well. Now that she had seen the person in question, she thought that he truly lived up to his name.

"Are you planning to cause trouble within the store?" Bu Fang puzzledly asked as he gave her a glance.

"Until now, there's still someone foolish enough to cause trouble within my store? These three women must be either bimbos or fresh off the boat…" Bu Fang thought.

Sitting nearby, Ji Chengxue was feeling extremely pleased as he popped a piece of Red Braised Meat into his mouth and drank a mouthful of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine. Incidentally, he could also watch Owner Bu getting teased. He was in an extremely relaxed mood as he spent the day in a very comfortable manner.

Nearby, Ouyang Xiaoyi was fumingly glaring at Wei Xiangsi, thinking, "This shameless woman…"

When Bu Fang saw that the woman was not responding, he could not be bothered to care about her anymore and continued to head toward the kitchen. However, as he took the first step, Wei Xiangsi who had just recovered from her daze tried to get close to him once more.

Buzz...

A ray of red light flashed by and Whitey appeared in front of Wei Xiangsi. Its mechanical eyes turned toward her as it mechanically said,"Troublemakers will be stripped as an example to others."

"Oh my, you little hooligan, you actually want to strip this elder sister! How annoying! However, this elder sister likes this kind of younger brother." The corners of Wei Xiangsi's mouth widened into a sneer as her eyes went cold. The true energy within her body intertwined around her flawless hand as she reached toward Bu Fang.

Bang!!

However, in the next moment, a dull thud sounded out and Wei Xiangsi screamed as she stumbled several steps backward. She looked toward Whitey who pushed her backward in surprise.

"This puppet is a little interesting. Could this be your store's trump card that Hun Qianyun mentioned? Sisters… Let's attack together and tear this lump of steel apart! We'll bring it back and parade it in front of Hun Qianyun. Incidentally, we could give this as a meeting gift to His Highness," Wei Xiangsi said with a chuckle.

Since they were working with King Yu, they must give him a meeting gift. At the very least, they had to make King Yu acknowledge the Joyous Union Sect and the best method was to let King Yu know about their capability. Currently, Hun Qianyun was highly acknowledged by King Yu. However, as long as they could deal with this store that once caused Hun Qianyun to admit defeat, they would be able to prove that they were more capable than him.

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

Chapter 123: Go Back, Don't Embarrass Yourself Any Further

Since they were working together, they naturally needed to display their capabilities so that King Yu would acknowledge them. Within the current imperial city, there were not many chances for them to display their capabilities. However, they coincidentally heard some rumors about this black-hearted store and that Hun Qianyun had once admitted defeat at this store as well. This was practically the ideal chance for them to display their capability.

Therefore, Wei Xiangsi came along with two of her Battle-King subordinates.

From Wei Xiangsi's point of view, Hun Qianyun, who looked like he had one foot in the grave, was defeated probably because he was incapable. However, just because Hun Qianyun lost did not mean that they were unable to win, especially when they found out that the owner of the store was a male.

From their point of view, there was no man that they could not handle.

The Joyous Union Sect was one of the heterodox sects within the Ten Great Sects. The majority of its members were female and specialized in harvesting yang energy to replenish their yin energy[1] in order to increase cultivation level, which was considered an evil method.

However, the Joyous Union Sect was still a sect with a powerful background after all. They had a lot of capital and their methods were innumerous. Wei Xiangsi and her two companions stood together, forming a magic array with their bodies. As true energy emanated from their bodies, a pink mist drifted out from between the three of them.

The dense cloud of pink mist seemed to have a strange scent, causing one to enter an unconscious state after inhaling the smell.

Bu Fang immediately started frowning after inhaling some of the scent and a trace of coldness flashed in the depth of his eyes. Within a store that was filled with the aroma of several dishes, including this scent was as disgusting as adding rat poop into a pot of soup.

"Whitey, throw the three of them out," Bu Fang coldly said after finally losing his patience.

Whitey's mechanical eyes flashed after receiving Bu Fang's command and suddenly disappeared from the spot.

"Do you really think a lousy lump of iron can deal with the three of us? Right now, are you feeling as if the blood within your body is boiling? Do you feel extremely uncomfortable?" Wei Xiangsi seductively asked with a smile.

She could not feel even the slightest trace of true energy from Whitey's body, so she thought there was probably nothing special with Whitey and was completely looking down on it.

However, in the next moment, from Wei Xiangsi perpective, Whitey's mechanical eyes suddenly enlarged as it suddenly appeared right in front of her.

Wei Xiangsi was surprised for a moment, and soon discovered that her entire body was flying in the air...

Rip!

During the instant Wei Xiangsi was sent flying, she felt a terrifying force acting upon her, causing her pink gauze outfit to be torn into shreds and leaving only a pink dudou and underpants.

Bang!

The magic array formed by the three women was destroyed by the violent wind produced while Whitey was waving its arms, and Wei Xiangsi and her companions were directly thrown out of the store by Whitey in an almost naked state.

The sound of three heavy objects landing on the snow sounded out, producing dull thuds.

Subsequently, a high-pitched scream came from within the pile of snow and Wei Xiangsi clambered out from the snow, wearing only a dudou and underpants. Her fair and slender legs were white as snow, and her curvaceous, stunning figure was completely exposed.

Wei Xiangsi took out a gauze outfit from her storage space and put it on. Her pretty face had become extremely frosty.

Getting stripped naked and thrown out of a store, Wei Xiangsi had never suffered such a heavy loss in her life. It was simply too humiliating.

Wei Xiangsi stamped the ground with her delicate foot and true energy gushed out from her body, dispersing the snowflakes around her. She suddenly charged toward the store with her long hair fluttering behind her.

Whitey was standing watch at the entrance of the store. Seeing that Wei Xiangsi was charging over, its mechanical eyes slightly flashed and it threw out a punch.

Boom! Wei Xiangsi flew backward and fiercely collided into a wall, deeply embedding into it...

"Reoffenders… will be eliminated," Whitey mechanically said. While its mechanical eyes were flickering, a ray of purple light seemed to have flashed past, causing Wei Xiangsi who had just clambered out from the wall to stiffen for a moment...

Ho… How terrifying!

Wei Xiangsi's pretty face had turned deathly pale and her red phoenix eyes contained a hint of fear. If she still had not realized Whitey's formidableness, then she would really be a bimbo...

This black-hearted store was terrifying indeed. A mere puppet was enough to suppress her to a point where she could not even retaliate.

Within the tranquil alleyway, only the heavy breathing of Wei Xiangsi—who was enduring Whitey's dreadful suppression—could be heard. Just then, the sound of footsteps rang out.

At the entrance of the alleyway, a figure was slowly approaching at a leisure pace.

Wei Xiangsi turned her head with much difficulty. When she saw the face of the approaching person, her pupils immediately constricted and she sucked in a breath of cold air.

"Your Highness!"

King Yu was wearing a brocade robe with a purple crown on his head. The belt inlaid with precious gemstones around his waist fully expressed his muscular figure. Holding his hands behind his back, his eyebrows knitted together when he indifferently swept his gaze toward Wei Xiangsi, whose attire was disheveled.

"Go back, don't embarrass yourself any further," King Yu mildly said before directly stepping past the three women and entering the store.

Whitey did not obstruct King Yu, so he directly stepped into the store. Stepping from a world of ice and snow into the warm interior of the store, the warmth that instantly enveloped his body startled King Yu.

However, King Yu soon recovered and his gaze landed on Ji Chengxue, who was, at that moment, popping a piece of Red Braised Meat into his mouth.

Ji Chengxue seemed to have sensed King Yu's gaze and let out a chuckle. Raising a piece of Red Braised Meat in King Yu's direction, he swallowed it in a single mouthful and drank a cup of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine before smacking his lips.

"Owner Bu, I'll have a serving of Red Braised Meat and Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine as well," King Yu said with a chuckle as he nodded toward Bu Fang. He was different from that bimbo, Wei Xiangsi. King Yu understood clearly the horror of this store. That puppet was definitely not the store's trump card. The real trump card was the black dog soundly sleeping at the entrance.

Therefore, King Yu would not choose to cause trouble within the store, and the purpose of his visit was not to cause trouble either.

Bu Fang gave King Yu a glance and nodded before entering the kitchen.

After Bu Fang was gone, King Yu stood in front of Ji Chengxue and condescendingly looked down at him. His gaze contained a trace of oppressive feeling.

"Why have you come back? If you had obediently stayed outside, everything would be fine… What are you trying to do by coming back?" King Yu asked.

Ji Chengxue put down his chopsticks. He lifted up the jar of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine and poured the wine that was clear like mountain spring water into the wine cup. The rich aroma of the wine, accompanied with the sound of the liquid being poured, spread into the surroundings.

"Father has passed away. Am I not supposed to fulfill my duty as a son and attend his mourning?" Ji Chengxue mildly replied after taking a sip of the Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine.

"Mourning? With your army camping right outside the imperial city?" King Yu retorted with a sneer as he sat down opposite to Ji Chengxue, with his gaze suddenly turning cold.

Ji Chengxue had returned and brought along the expedition army as well. His true intentions were somewhat thought-provoking.

In normal circumstances, Ji Chengxue—as the commander of the expedition—should have returned alone if he wanted to attend the mourning. Once the mourning ended, he could return to his army. However, once Ji Chengxue brought his army along with him, the meaning behind his action would be quite different.

Ouyang Xiaoyi's eyes widened. She suddenly felt as if the atmosphere within the store had become somewhat strange. She only felt slightly better after moving to the kitchen window.

A question and answer session occurred between King Yu and Ji Chengxue, like they were having a good time. However, Ouyang Xiaoyi kept having the feeling that the two were having a tense confrontation.

Soon, Bu Fang came out from the kitchen with the overwhelmingly fragrant Red Braised Meat in one hand while carrying a jar of wine with the other hand.

Bu Fang placed the wine and the meat in front of King Yu and the latter nodded toward him.

Ji Chengxue was slightly tipsy as he stood up after he finished eating and drinking down the last cup of wine as well. He handed over the crystals to Bu Fang and put on his fur overcoat before heading outside.

"Since you're insisting on participating, then you should be ready to pay the price… This price might be unbearable for you."

Ji Chengxue had just reached the entrance when King Yu eerily spoke up. Ji Chengxue suddenly stopped and lightly breathed out. He turned his head toward King Yu and tauntingly asked with a smile,"What sort of price? My life?"

With a laughter, Ji Chengxue stepped out of the store and his figure gradually disappeared in the snowstorm.

---

[1] Harvesting yang energy to replenish yin energy (采阳补阴)- In Daoism, this refers to sexual cultivation techniques that balances the yin and yang between the two practitioners. In novels, this sort of technique is usually used by evil practitioners to steal the other parties' cultivation through sexual intercourse.

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

Chapter 124: Fire Tree Blossoms, Spirit Energy Dish

After Ji Chengxue left, a travel-worn figure entered the store with two other people following behind.

Bu Fang glanced in their direction and saw Ni Yan and her two disciples. Ni Yan was carefully carrying a wooden lunch box which was enveloped by her true energy, preventing the cold air from entering the lunch box and ruining the flavor of the dish.

"Owner Bu, my dish is done. Try it out and see whether you're satisfied!" Ni Yan was very confident. Above the veil that covered her face, her eyes were sparkling like gemstones.

Bu Fang softly exclaimed. He never anticipated that Ni Yan would actually bring a dish over.

Since there were no pending orders and Bu Fang was in the mood as well, he sat down at a table and beckoned Ni Yan to bring the dish out for him to have a look.

King Yu was having his meal nearby and he saw Ni Yan and her disciples as well. He was slightly startled because he recognized Ni Yan. After all, the disturbance created by this woman from the night before was not small.

"This hot-tempered female Battle-Saint actually came to Owner Bu's store? Are the two of them part of the same group?" King Yu thought.

Bu Fang was not putting much thought into it and was rather looking forward to Ni Yan's dish. The other party was reportedly the number one chef within the Celestial Arcanum Sect and her cooking managed to subdue everyone within the sect. Therefore, her culinary skills should not be too bad.

Ni Yan placed the wooden lunch box onto the table and dispersed the true energy before uncovering the lunch. Immediately, the rich fragrance of fresh vegetables wafted out from the wooden lunch box.

Bu Fang took a deep breath. He raised his eyebrows and indiscernibly nodded. Judging from the smell alone, he could tell that the taste of Ni Yan's dish should be pretty good. This fragrance was even capable of provoking Bu Fang's appetite.

When Ni Yan brought out the dish, Bu Fang's eyes slightly narrowed. He raised his head and gave Ni Yan a meaningful glance.

This was a dish that broke new ground. Evidently, Ni Yan spent a lot of effort on this dish.

The dish was a fist-sized fruit with a rind that was the color of fire and there was even a faint amount of flames burning on its surface. This fruit was directly sliced open down the middle by Ni Yan and the pulp was dug out before being replaced with golden rice grains. The rice grains were covered with a layer of sauce with a unique and rich aroma. Steam could be seen rising from the dish.

"What's the name of this dish?" Bu Fang asked after inhaling the fragrance.

"This is my signature dish, Fire Tree Blossoms, and it's also the dish which my control over the spirit energy is the most stable. This dish should still be able to store around thirty percent more spirit energy," Ni Yan earnestly said.

This was a dish that contained spirit energy. Bu Fang was starting to acknowledge the dish as well because it was very similar to his own dishes. Not only was the aroma of the dish unique, but it also contained spirit energy.

Bu Fang took out a porcelain spoon and gently scooped a spoonful of the golden rice grains. The fragrance emanating from the rice was not any inferior to Bu Fang's Egg-Fried Rice.

This fragrance contained the scent of various fruits, and there was also a distinct smell of a pleasurably sour sauce.

As Bu Fang shoved the golden rice grains into his mouth, these rice grains were unexpectedly savory and also extremely chewy. They were just like soft candies. After biting down, he felt as if those rice grains were bouncing between his teeth, producing a unique flavor.

The taste was pretty good as well. Mixing the flavor of the pulp and the sauce, it instantly enveloped his taste buds.

Bu Fang's eyes lit up and he shoved two more spoonfuls into his mouth. After chewing for a while, he said,"Not bad."

This "Fire Tree Blossoms" was indeed not a bad dish. Even though the amount of spirit energy contained within the dish was low and was even lower than the store's normal Egg-Fried Rice, its flavor was astonishing.

"I chose the second grade spirit fruit, Fire Spirit Fruit, for my dish. The pulp of the fruit and its rind have different colors, but the their tastes are very compatible. It's not only deliciously sweet and sour, but also contains spirit energy. This golden rice was soaked with Fire Head Bee Honey beforehand and then cooked together with the pulp of the Fire Spirit Fruit. After enclosing the rice within the rind of the fruit and steaming it for a while, the Fire Tree Blossoms is completed," Ni Yan said, while feeling rather proud of her dish.

Bu Fang wanted her to demonstrate her signature dish, so she did in order to subdue Bu Fang.

However, in the next moment, the triumphant expression on her face froze.

Bu Fang rubbed his chin as he gave her a glance and said,"The taste of this dish is not bad and the flavor is very unique as well, but there are still many flaws present… Since you're using the rind of the Fire Spirit Fruit to envelop the golden rice grains before carrying out the steaming process, you need to be extremely precise about the steaming duration and ensure every single grain of rice was soaked with honey. Evidently, you did not notice this mistake while carrying out this step."

Once Bu Fang started giving his assessment, he did not hold back in the slightest. Even Ni Yan did not realize there were so many flaws present in her dish.

"My main problem is that I didn't properly control the spirit energy. If I can increase the concentration of spirit energy by a little more, this dish would definitely be even tastier!" Ni Yan said, feeling slightly unconvinced by his assessment.

Bu Fang gave her a glance and mildly replied,"The amount of spirit energy cannot completely determine the flavor of a dish. Are you saying that dishes can't be delicious without spirit energy? This kind of thinking does not tally with the ideology of a chef."

Tang Yin and Lu Xiaoxiao were dumbfounded as they stood behind Ni Yan and their expressions were filled with astonishment.

This was the first time they saw someone pointing out so many flaws in their master's cooking… As expected of their senior!

"Therefore, I suggest you start from the basics. Once you're able to satisfy the taste of the general masses with ordinary dishes that don't contain spirit energy, that would show that you've improved." This was Bu Fang's suggestion to Ni Yan, which made Ni Yan ponder for a long while.

...

As the night descended, the snowstorm that lasted for a whole day finally stopped. Only the sound of the whistling wind was left in the cold winter night, driving away the silence.

In the end, Bu Fang did not choose to teach Ni Yan about the cooking method of spirit energy dishes. Rather, he told her to practice making ordinary dishes everyday and only come back after she was satisfied with her own work.

Under the kitchen's gentle lighting, Bu Fang had carefully started the elixir cuisine's practice cooking. Since Xiao Yue had only provided a single portion of ingredients, Bu Fang did not dare to rashly start the actual cooking of the elixir cuisine without having complete confidence. After all, there were times when even he would fail.

As billows of steam filled the entire kitchen, the rich aroma of the abalone and medicinal fragrance were entangled together.

The evening passed while he was cooking this elixir cuisine...

The next day, Bu Fang woke up as usual and started practicing the Big Dipper Carving Technique. Everyday, he would complete the training missions arranged by the system. Bu Fang understood clearly that there was no shortcut to success and he needed to put in more effort than anyone else to become the God of Cooking. Success was not achievable with words alone.

The store opened and closed as usual. During the night, it was time for Bu Fang to practice cooking the elixir cuisine again.

Finally, after practicing like this for the past two days, the actual day had arrived. On this day, Bu Fang was preparing to use the actual ingredients to cook the elixir cuisine that was able to treat mental traumas.

Within the Xiao manor, Xiao Meng suddenly received an invitation from the third prince, who seemingly wanted to discuss an important matter. With the unstable situation in the imperial city, Xiao Meng did not dare to idle about. He left the Xiao Manor and headed for the third prince's residence.

Shortly after Xiao Meng left, Xiao Yue—who was wearing a bamboo hat with a black veil while holding a longsword in his hand—appeared within the snowstorm, staring straight at the majestic Xiao manor.

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

Chapter 125: You Unfilial Son, Where Do You Think You're Going!

Snow was swirling about and falling from the sky, accompanied with the rustling winter wind. Deep inside the Xiao manor, between the pavilions, there was a small path leading toward a tranquil location.

Inside of a lavish room, candles were lit and the fireplace was burning, increasing the temperature within the room to a rather warm level. A censer was placed in front of a wooden window that was propped open. The smoke from the censer lingered in the area, filling the entire room with the smell of incense.

A delicate figure with a fur cloak draped over her shoulders was sitting next to the censer and a zither was placed in front of her. Her flawless hands were dexterously moving about on the zither, just like a transcendent elf.

The melodious sound of the zither drifted out and was pleasing to the ears, like the sound of raindrops falling on lotus leaves, causing its listeners to fall into enchantment.

There was a faint trace of sorrow on Xiao Yanyu's flawlessly beautiful face. As her beautiful fingers played the zither, her emotions seemed to have turned into notes and drifted out from the zither. The bangs of her hair spilled over her eyes, covering half of her facial features which was like that of a banished immortal.

Xiao Xiaolong's figure walked into the room. He brushed away the snow that accumulated on him and softly said with a smile, "Elder sister, you're playing the zither in mother's room again. Aren't you worried about disturbing mother?"

The sound of the zither stopped and was followed by a sigh. "If only it could disturb mother, then I would play the zither every single day."

Xiao Yanyu gave Xiao Xiaolong a glance and snappily said, "You rascal, isn't father forcing you to cultivate? Why do you have the time to come over and chat today?"

"Hehe, father went to look for the third prince, so he let me off today. I've been cultivating so much recently that my bones are aching. That's right, why don't we go and eat at Owner Bu's place? It's been a while since we've been there. I am really craving for his dishes," Xiao Xiaolong said.

Xiao Yanyu rolled her eyes at Xiao Xiaolong. This was probably his real purpose for visiting her. Who said he was a prodigy? He was just a glutton.

"You're really… Hmm? Who's there!" Just when Xiao Yanyu was about to reprimand Xiao Xiaolong, her expression slightly changed and she suddenly looked outside of the window.

Within the whirlwind of snow outside, a figure was slowly approaching while stepping on the frozen surface of the pond. The black robe he wore was flapping violently in the cold wind and the bamboo hat concealed his face, preventing anyone from seeing his appearance.

However, when Xiao Yanyu and Xiao Xiaolong saw this figure, their pupils slightly constricted...

Xiao Yue stepped into the room, took off his bamboo hat and breathed out a cloud of breath. As he looked at Xiao Yanyu and Xiao Xiaolong who were staring at him in bewilderment, he suddenly smiled.

"It's been a while." Xiao Yue's hoarse voice rang out.

However, the reply he got was a surging wave of true energy attack.

Xiao Yanyu's face was filled with rage as she stared at Xiao Yue. Xiao Xiaolong was also vigilantly staring at Xiao Yue, not knowing his purpose for suddenly appearing within the Xiao manor.

"You still dare to come back! You still have the cheek to come back!" Xiao Yanyu shouted.

The smile on Xiao Yue's face disappeared and he indifferently gave Xiao Yanyu a glance. As the corners of his mouth widened, the tip of his toes brushed against the ground and as if a burst of wind had just blew past, he appeared next to Xiao Yanyu.

Xiao Yanyu's entire body froze. She felt as if the true energy within her body was being impeded by a terrifying mass of sword energy and was completely immovable. Her body could not even move a single inch, so she could only vehemently stare at Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue smiled in a carefree manner. He stretched out his hand and patted Xiao Yanyu's head. Thereafter, he slowly walked past her and headed in the direction of the person lying on the bed.

"What are you trying to do!" A touch of redness emerged on Xiao Xiaolong's fair skin as he blocked Xiao Yue's path in a huff, preventing him from going any further.

"Hmm? You mischievous brat, you've grown up as well… You even dare to block my way." Xiao Yue broke into a grin.

Xiao Xiaolong's pupils constricted and true energy gushed out of his body. The cultivation of a peak level third grade Battle-Maniac was fully displayed. He raised his hands and took a fighting stance...

Xiao Yue tilted his head and a hint of amusement appeared on his face as he watched Xiao Xiaolong charge toward him. He slowly raised a finger and poked Xiao Xiaolong on his forehead.

Xiao Xiaolong's figure that was charging forward was immediately stopped. His eyes widened as his body staggered backward and fell to the ground.

"Don't worry, I don't have any ill intentions." Xiao Yue's hoarse voice slowly resounded inside the room.

Xiao Yanyu did not believe his words but she was unable to move her body… She was so anxious that she felt like screaming out loud.

Xiao Yue stopped next to the bed. Smoke was slowly emanating from a censer placed next to the bed. A graceful woman was serenely lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

The woman had a beautiful face. In a closer look, some resemblance between her and Xiao Yanyu could be seen.

Xiao Yue's eyes were somewhat complicated as he let out a soft sigh. He took off the heavy and thick cloak from his shoulders and placed it over the woman's body.

"You… can't take mother away!" Xiao Xiaolong struggled to get up from the ground. However, Xiao Yue raised his hand and an invisible force pressed down on Xiao Xiaolong's body once more, causing him to fall on his behind. He could only watch with bloodshot eyes as Xiao Yue carried their mother, Ji Ru'Er, away.

Xiao Yanyu's entire body was trembling as she bit her lips tightly. She was filled with rage as she stared at Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue was carrying Ji Ru'Er on his back. As he reached the doorway, he turned toward them and said with a smile, "The two of you were so much cuter back then. Don't worry, I really don't have any bad intentions. I'll wake our mother up."

After he was done speaking, Xiao Yue put on his bamboo hat once more and leapt into the air, disappearing from their view. Only the rustling winter wind blowing in from the doorway was left.

As the sword energy on her body dissipated with a loud noise, Xiao Yanyu's body trembled for a moment before she hurriedly moved toward the door. She stared into the snow outside but Xiao Yue's figure was nowhere to be seen.

Buzz!

After a while, as a figure approached while stepping on thin air, the falling snow that filled the air seemed to have stopped. Xiao Meng's face was gloomy as he landed in the small yard. When he saw Xiao Xiaolong limply sitting on the ground and Xiao Yanyu on the verge of tears, he suddenly felt an anger rising in his chest him.

"Father… Mother was taken away!" When Xiao Yanyu saw Xiao Meng, the grievance in her heart immediately spilled out.

"Xiao Yue!" Anger flashed in Xiao Meng's eyes, but he was feeling even more suspicious. Ji Chengxue invited him over to discuss matters at his manor and Xiao Yue arrived right after Xiao Meng left… There was definitely something strange about this.

Suddenly turning around, Xiao Meng instantly dashed out of the Xiao manor and rose into the air above. He rapidly scanned the surroundings.

"Hmm?" Xiao Meng was slightly agitated as he took a step forward and swiftly sped into the distance.

Xiao Yue was carrying his mother, Ji Ru'Er on his back. His true energy was covering her body to block the swirling snow—so that his mother would not freeze from the cold weather—as he slowly headed in the direction of the alleyway.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound came from behind him, startling Xiao Yue for a moment. A mass of intense sword energy gushed out from his body and turned into an indistinct longsword, slashing behind him.

Bang...

As Xiao Yue's sword energy dissipated with a loud noise, his body trembled for a moment. He increased his pace and dashed toward the alleyway. Fang Fang's Little Store was not far away.

Xiao Meng's face was clouded with fury as he landed. Watching Xiao Yue who was making a run for it in the distance, he angrily shouted, "You unfilial son, where do you think you're going!"

As Xiao Meng's figure moved, it was if the ground was shrinking as he swiftly closed the distance between them, creating a series of afterimages.

A dreadful pressure approached Xiao Yue like a surging wave, pushing away the swirling snow in the surroundings.

As Xiao Yue turned around, his longsword flew out of its sheath and exposed its dazzling edge. He formed a sword-finger gesture with his hand and the sword transformed into four swords, forming a sword array. Xiao Yue made a pushing motion with his hand and the swords flew toward the approaching Xiao Meng.

This time round, Xiao Meng did not hold back in the slightest. His palm was glimmering as he threw out a palm strike, instantly destroying the sword array.

Xiao Yue let out a groan. Borrowing the force of this impact, he reached the store's entrance and burrowed into Fang Fang's Little Store.

Xiao Meng was already seeing red. He gathered true energy into his palm, planning to blast the store away...

However, the big black dog lying on the ground lazily gave him a glance and let out a snort. With a wave of its exquisite and delicate paws, the true energy gathered on Xiao Meng's shimmering palm was shattered with a loud bang. Xiao Meng himself felt as if a tremendous force slammed into him, causing him to stumble a few steps backward.

Xiao Meng felt as if a basin of icy cold water was poured on his head and immediately became clear-headed. Only then did he realize that Xiao Yue had burrowed into Bu Fang's store.

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

Chapter 126: Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup

Xiao Yue brought Ru'Er into Fang Fang's Little Store? What exactly was this rascal planning to do?

Seeing that Xiao Yue had burrowed into Fang Fang's Little Store, Xiao Meng breathed a sigh of relief. The reason being, since Xiao Yue had chosen to enter the store, he was naturally not going to harm Ji Ru'Er.

As Xiao Meng recalled the dreadful aura just now that caused his true energy to disperse, his gaze became somewhat grave when he looked at the lazy big black dog lying at the entrance.

Placing both of his hands together, he performed a fist and palm salute toward Blacky to express his apology for his disrespectful action just now. If someone else was around to witness this scene, their jaws would be dropping to the ground.

The number one expert of the Light Wind Empire was actually expressing his apology to a big black dog. This was definitely an eye-opening scene.

Blacky gave Xiao Meng a glance before letting out a snort and going back to sleep. At the same time, Xiao Meng breathed a sigh of relief when he felt the pressure surrounding him had suddenly disappeared.

After giving Blacky an uneasy glance, Xiao Meng turned and stepped into Bu Fang's store.

...

From the system's storage space, Bu Fang took out the two ingredients that Xiao Yue had given him, the Amethyst Heart Orchid and the Sky Spirit Abalone.

The entire Amethyst Heart Orchid was emanating a clear purple light with a faint trace of burning aura. It was not obvious just from looking but when one's eyes were closed, one could feel energy radiating from the Amethyst Heart Orchid, as if it was a small sun.

The Sky Spirit Abalone was slightly larger than the Black Spirit Abalone and the amount of spirit energy within the Sky Spirit Abalone was much higher as well. After all, it was a fifth grade spirit beast. Its value was naturally not something the Black Spirit Abalone could compare with.

Furthermore, the veined patterns on the shell of the Sky Spirit Abalone were much more complicated than those of the Black Spirit Abalone and its spirit array was clearly of a higher grade.

Since Bu Fang had already used replacement ingredients to practice twice before, he had already memorized the steps to cook the Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup. In addition, Bu Fang had already made proper adjustments to the true energy culinary method according to the difference in spirit energy level between the two sets of ingredients.

After washing the Sky Spirit Abalone, Bu Fang took out a huge claypot which was the only one he had that could contain the entire Sky Spirit Abalone.

Using the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife, Bu Fang made a cut on the meat of the Sky Spirit Abalone. After the opening was made, he chopped the other spirit herbs and placed them around the Sky Spirit Abalone. Thereafter, he filled the claypot with spring water from Tian Shan[1] and placed the lid over the claypot before simmering.

While the claypot was simmering, Bu Fang began to prepare processing the Amethyst Heart Orchid.

This was an orchid with a blue flower bud. Both its petals and leaves were plump, as if containing an extremely huge amount of energy.

With the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife, Bu Fang cautiously removed the petals and the leaves and placed them separately apart. After making a cut on every petal, thick purple juice flowed out from the openings. The juice had a peculiar characteristic that caused a slight burning sensation on the skin when in close proximity.

Taking out a jade cup, Bu Fang stored the juice from the petals into the cup and exactly filled it to the brim. The purple liquid was crystal clear and emitted a rich aroma.

Next, Bu Fang removed the lid of the claypot and the rich aroma of the Sky Spirit Abalone immediately gushed out, causing him to be unable to help but take a deep breath.

The aroma of the Sky Spirit Abalone did not possess the fishy scent that seafood usually had and was extremely sweet instead. Before even tasting, Bu Fang's mind was already affected by the sweetness and both his body and mind were already relaxed.

After Bu Fang diced the leaves of the Amethyst Heart Orchid, he added them into the claypot and replaced the lid. His expression became serious.

With one hand placed on the lid of the claypot, the true energy that was naturally circulating within his dantian surged to his hand—causing the surface of his palm to sparkle—and then flowed into the claypot.

Within Bu Fang's mind, he could clearly view the scene within the claypot as if it was happening before his eyes.

The flow of true energy stimulated the spirit energy inside the claypot to continuously circulate and begin infusing into the Sky Spirit Abalone. The cut made on the Sky Spirit Abalone slightly opened and started forming bubbles. As the bubbles popped, spirit energy was released within claypot.

As Bu Fang watched this scene, he became relieved and continued to stimulate the spirit energy to envelop the Sky Spirit Abalone. Soon, he completed the first phase of the cooking process.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Compared to cooking with the replacement ingredients, the authentic Sky Spirit Abalone used up much more of his true energy and caused Bu Fang to feel somewhat fatigued.

Lifting up the lid, the fragrance was stronger than before and there seemed to be faint sparkles of light circulating within the claypot. The reason was Bu Fang's infusion of true energy had activated the spirit array on the shell of the Sky Spirit Abalone.

As the petals of the Amethyst Heart Orchid were tossed into the claypot, the bubbling soup immediately engulfed the petals. Bu Fang picked up the jade cup, which was somewhat scalding to the touch, and poured its contents into the claypot. The intensity of the aroma wafting from the claypot doubled in an instant.

As Bu Fang inhaled the fragrance, even he was feeling so comfortable that he wanted to moan. This sort of comfortable feeling was not affecting his body but his mind.

The sort of magical power produced when two ingredients that could treat mental traumas were combined together was unimaginable.

After the lid was replaced, Bu Fang continued to use the true energy culinary method to simmer the elixir cuisine.

After reaching this step, this dish of elixir cuisine was basically already completed. As for the extent of success, it depended on how well Bu Fang could handle true energy culinary in the next phase. However, after spending two days of practice, Bu Fang already had enough confidence to complete this elixir cuisine.

…

As Xiao Meng stepped into the store, the warmth did not dispel the frostiness on his face in the slightest. His expression was still cold as he looked at Xiao Yue, who was sitting on a chair.

Xiao Yue was holding his chest and slightly out of breath. True energy was circulating on his palm as he treated the injuries within his body.

"What exactly are you planning? Have you not harm Ru'Er enough? What are you trying to do now? Are you really planning to commit matricide for the sake of transcendence?!" Xiao Meng's voice was cold as the icebergs of Antarctica and every single sentence was filled with anger.

Xiao Yue let out a chuckle and shook his head. His eyes were complicated as he looked at Xiao Meng and mildly said, "Father, you know my objective. I came to Owner Bu's place today not to harm mother… but to save her."

"Save her?" Xiao Meng was startled for a moment. Thereafter, his pupils constricted and he asked, "Did you request Owner Bu to cook the elixir cuisine to save Ru'Er?

"No… The Sage Herb Phoenix Chicken Soup is useless for Ru'Er's injury. You should know well enough. Your sword strike not only shattered her heart, but also severely injured her mind," Xiao Meng continued as he let out a sigh and shook his head.

The corners of Xiao Yue's mouth widened, but he did not reply and turned his head toward the kitchen instead.

From the darkness of the kitchen, a slender figure walked out with a claypot in his hands. Clouds of steam were rising from the claypot along with a rich fragrance.

As the fragrance filled the room, everyone within the store subconsciously took a deep breath and immediately felt reinvigorated and energetic.

Xiao Meng was pleasantly surprised and his eyes were fixated on the claypot. Judging from the smell… the elixir cuisine this time was obviously not the Sage Herb Phoenix Chicken Soup!

Bu Fang looked in surprise at Xiao Meng, who was standing at the doorway, and then continued to walk toward Xiao Yue with the claypot before placing it before him.

After his hands released the claypot, only then did Bu Fang stop the circulation of true energy and heavily breathed out...

After cooking this Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup, Bu Fang was so exhausted that he felt like he was going to collapse and the true energy circulating within his dantian was almost depleted. He could not help but sigh internally. His cultivation level was indeed too low.

"Here's your Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup, please enjoy your meal," Bu Fang said to Xiao Yue.

Thereafter, as he carefully lifted up the lid of the claypot, dazzling beams of light immediately flooded out from within the claypot along with a stormy wave of fragrance.

---

[1] Tian Shan (天山) - This is an actual mountain range in China.

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

Chapter 127: The Emperor's Posthumous Edict

The dish was actually glowing!

Both Xiao Meng and Xiao Yue were dumbfounded and their attention were completely attracted by the glow and rich fragrance before them. Within the claypot, beams of light appeared to be emerging from a pupa as they filled their field of vision. It was that dazzling and eye-catching.

The light only lasted for a single breath before vanishing. Steam was rising from the claypot as if the fragrance had become visible.

Xiao Yue swallowed his saliva. He felt as if the injuries caused by Xiao Meng had all recovered in that moment and he did not feel even the slightest pain. His gaze landed on the dish contained inside the claypot.

The Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup was not a thick soup and was different from the Sage Herb Phoenix Chicken Soup. It was not greasy but extremely refreshing instead. The soup was clear and transparent, like spring water from the mountains. Even the Sky Spirit Abalone lying at the bottom of the soup could be clearly seen.

The Sky Spirit Abalone was completely cooked. The inner flesh of the abalone was protruding from the cut and was emitting a rich fragrance. The soup did not possess even the slightest impurity, and the Amethyst Heart Orchid had completely dissolved into the soup without leaving even a trace of residue.

It was as if the Amethyst Spirit Abalone Soup was cooked using the Sky Spirit Abalone and spring water from Tian Shan alone.

Bu Fang took out a small celadon bowl and used a celadon spoon to fill the bowl with soup. The soup was extremely clear. If it was not for its fragrance, they would mistake it for a bowl of boiled water.

As Xiao Yue accepted the bowl of soup from Bu Fang, he recovered from his surprise and set his mother, who was leaning on the chair, upright. Xiao Meng came forward and took over the bowl from Xiao Yue's hand.

The calmness and composure on the face of the empire's number one expert, Xiao Meng, was already long gone. There was only carefulness and uncertainty left.

With trembling hands, Xiao Meng scooped up a spoonful of soup and slowly fed Ji Ru'Er. His heart was in his mouth as he stared at her pallid face without blinking.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up with intense brightness. He discovered that a shade of rosiness had appeared on Ji Ru'Er's pallid face after drinking a spoonful of the soup. This was something that had never happened before!

It was effective! It really was effective!

Xiao Meng was so excited that he almost spilled the bowl of soup in his hand. He hurriedly calmed himself and continued to feed the soup to Ji Ru'Er.

Spoon after spoon, he carefully fed her as if he was cherishing his most important treasure.

Bu Fang gave the two of them a glance before using a chopstick to pick up the Sky Spirit Abalone at the bottom of the claypot, and then grabbed hold of the abalone's shell. The magic array on the shell was emanating a fluorescent light and was slightly hot to the touch, and the flesh of the abalone was quivering.

A green wisp of smoke encircled his hand and the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife appeared. After twirling the kitchen knife in his hand, Bu Fang chopped the meat of the Sky Spirit Abalone into fine pieces.

"Feed her this. After absorbing the medicinal effects of the Amethyst Heart Orchid and various other spirit herbs along with the catalysis effect caused by the spirit array on the shell, the curative effect of the Sky Spirit Abalone should be much better than just drinking the soup," Bu Fang said as he passed the minced abalone to Xiao Meng.

Xiao Meng gave Bu Fang a grateful glance and then fed the minced abalone into Ji Ru'Er's mouth. Ji Ru'Er had not been responding all this time, but her body suddenly shuddered. Her mouth widened and she gently breathed out a mouthful of air.

This mouthful of air contained an abundant amount of spirit energy and filled the interior of the store with a rich fragrance.

Xiao Meng became even more agitated. He excitedly watched as Ji Ru'Er's long eyelashes trembled for a moment and then her eyes slowly opened...

...

As the weather became colder and colder, the snowflakes became thicker and thicker. The pavement of the imperial city's Long Street was covered with snow.

Two figures were slowly proceeding on the Long Street. Ji Chengxue was wearing a white robe with a fur cloak draped over his shoulders. As he travelled within the swirling snow, a powerfully built man wearing flaxen clothing with short sleeves was walking beside him. This man had beard growing all over his face and eyes as large as copper bells.

As the two slowly walked on, they left a trail of footprints behind them.

"Your Highness, tomorrow is the late emperor's funeral, yet Chief Eunuch Lian is summoning all of the princes today. Is he going to proclaim His Majesty's posthumous edict?" the sturdy man with a full beard asked in a deep voice.

Ji Chengxue gave the man a glance and gently replied with a smile, "Perhaps, but no matter what's written in the edict… those two brothers of mine would definitely have a confrontation."

The man with a full beard looked at Ji Chengxue and suddenly asked, "Your Highness, don't you think the late emperor might have appointed you as his successor in the edict?"

When Ji Chengxue heard the question, he was suddenly stunned. He stopped walking as well and stood still on the spot. The swirling snow whizzed by and the cold wind rustled.

"That's impossible, there's no reason for him to choose me. After all… I am the son he hated the most," Ji Chengxue mildly replied in a distant voice filled with lament.

Thereafter, Ji Chengxue continued to move on and the man with a full beard silently followed him as they headed toward the majestic Main Hall.

At the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, King Yu was standing there in high spirits with a purple crown on his head and a belt inlaid with gemstones around his waist. A middle-aged man was respectfully following behind him with a fawning smile on his face. With a single glance at him, it was apparent that he was someone with a nimble mind.

This person was the Minister of Finance, Sun Qing, who was in charge of the imperial city's financial affairs.

As Ji Chengxue slowly approached from a distance, King Yu gave him a glance and the corners of his mouth widened into a sneer. He turned around before stepping into the Gate of Heavenly Mystery and headed toward the Main Hall.

The Gate of Heavenly Mystery was extremely vast and the ground of the entire plaza was covered by a layer of pure white snow. There were two obelisks with images carved upon them towering in the empty plaza and the top of the obelisks were also covered with snow. As far as the eye could see, there was only a vast expanse of whiteness.

There were eunuchs here and there at the plaza of the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, clearing away the accumulated snow on the ground. The emperor's funeral was on the next day and the procession would definitely pass through the plaza to get the imperial mausoleum. Therefore, this snow was a hindrance.

At the majestic but somewhat eerie Main Hall, a crowd of people had restlessly gathered there. These people were high-ranking officials of the imperial court and were all respected people within the Light Wind Empire.

The Minister of the Left was standing there with a grave expression in his court uniform, seemingly resting his slightly closed eyes.

The Ouyang family, Yang family, Minister of Finance and other high-ranking officials of the imperial court were also standing there in silence, waiting for Chief Eunuch Lian to appear. They knew that day was definitely not an ordinary day.

After being kept secret for such a long time, the posthumous edict of the late emperor had to be made known in the end and would also determine the eventual ownership of the throne.

Would it be the crown prince? Or would it be King Yu? The many high-ranking officials present were feeling extremely apprehensive.

As for the third prince… The high-ranking officials were basically not feeling optimistic about his chances. The late emperor's attitude toward the third prince gave them the feeling that Ji Chengxue was disliked and disregarded. Therefore, everyone including Ji Chengxue himself thought that his chance of inheriting the throne was the lowest.

The three princes were standing within the Main Hall and the dragon throne cast from gold was right before them, on a platform. They only needed to take a single step to stand above everyone else.

Suddenly, the Main Hall that was filled with whispering moments ago suddenly became quiet. The crowd parted and Lian Fu slowly entered the Main Hall from the outside with deliberate steps while respectfully carrying the imperial edict in his hands. His expression was solemn and dignified, causing the people gathered there to feel a sudden chill.

After all, he was a seventh grade Battle-Saint and was at a level where any change in his emotions could affect the emotions of the people in his surroundings.

"Gonggong, is… this father's posthumous edict?" The crown prince could not help but ask for confirmation as he looked at the imperial edict in Lian Fu's hands.

Lian Fu gave the crown prince a glance and solemnly nodded.

The crown prince was suddenly overjoyed because he felt that his chances of being chosen by his father was the highest. It was not only because he was the crown prince, but also the fact that he was the most highly regarded by his father.

Lian Fu pinched his thumb and middle finger together and then gently spread open the imperial edict. With the unfurled posthumous edict in his hands, he stood in front of the dragon throne and was ready to start reading the edict out loud.

Below, everyone was holding their breath as they stared at Lian Fu, who was standing before the dragon throne, and waited for the announcement of the next emperor.

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

Chapter 128: Premeditated Ambush

Lian Fu unfurled the imperial edict and let out a light cough. The sound resounded within the Main Hall, causing everyone present to feel a sudden uneasiness. Everyone was looking at him and the expression on each of their faces was distinctive.

The crown prince's face was full of confidence and his eyes were flashing with an intense brightness, as if victory was in his grasp. On the other hand, King Yu's face was filled with indifference as if he was not interested in the posthumous edict in the slightest, while Ji Chengxue's head was lowered as he played with his own fingers.

Zhao Musheng was standing on the spot with his eyes narrowed, and his body was slightly swaying. The elderly Ouyang was pursing his lips and staring at Lian Fu...

Inside the imperial court, there was a difference in the expression of every single person. However, without any exception, their minds were focused on Lian Fu's every action and were attentively listening to the posthumous edict Lian Fu was about to read aloud.

Lian Fu's high-pitched voice resounded within the Main Hall. The content of the posthumous edict was not long. The beginning of the edict was a recount of Emperor Changfeng's military accomplishments and everyone present knew about them well enough. Their attention was not focused on them but rather on the end of the edict: the successor chosen by the late emperor and the eventual ownership of the throne.

Was it the crown prince? Or was it King Yu?

"The third prince, Chengxue, has an upright moral character and greatly resembles me. He is certainly capable of inheriting my empire. He shall succeed my throne and become the next emperor."

However, when Lian Fu read out the end of the edict, the entire imperial court was so quiet that they would hear a pin dropping. Everyone was stupefied.

In His Majesty's edict... the successor chosen was… the third prince?

This was as if a bolt out of the blue had suddenly struck the Main Hall, causing everyone present to be somewhat dumbfounded.

The expression on the crown prince's face completely froze and his eyes were wide from shock. His face was filled with incredulity and his mouth was slightly opened, seemingly suspecting whether he had heard wrongly.

King Yu was bewildered as well. He turned his head and looked toward Ji Chengxue, who was standing beside him. Incredulity was swirling deep inside his eyes.

Zhao Musheng's squinted eyes were opened. The elderly Ouyang almost pulled his beard off. The fawning smile on the Minister of Finance's face stiffened and he almost bit his own tongue...

This was a result that no one had expected. No one could imagine that a prince who had always been sent on expeditions outside of the border by the late emperor and had always been disregarded and even disliked would actually be chosen as the successor.

"Hahaha!"

Just when the Main Hall was silent as a grave, a burst of laughter suddenly rang out. The man with a full beard standing next to Ji Chengxue could not help but burst out with laughter.

"What happened to your arrogance from before? Now, all of you know who has the last laugh. Look at that stupefied expression on King Yu's face... Where did his cockiness from before go?" the man with a full beard thought.

He was really delighted as he looked at the constipated expressions on the faces of the crown prince and King Yu. He could not help but burst out with laughter. Previously, while they were outside of the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, he was really irritated by King Yu's disdainful gaze.

Ji Chengxue was slightly astonished as well. Thereafter, the corners of his mouth curled up as he patted the shoulder of the man with a full beard and softly said, "Stop that, we're still in the Main Hall."

The man with a full beard stopped laughing but the smile on his face could not be wiped away no matter what he did.

Even though Lian Fu was the one who read the posthumous edict aloud, he did not know the contents beforehand. It was only truly made known at that moment, and even he was extremely bewildered. He thought, "I didn't expect… His Majesty to choose the third prince in the end."

Next, Ji Chengxue adjusted his clothes and solemnly went forward to accept the posthumous edict with a respectful expression.

The crown prince furiously snorted and left in a huff with an ashen face.

King Yu gave Ji Chengxue a meaningful glance as well and expressionlessly left.

It was an outcome that nobody expected, causing everyone to be still unable to recover from their surprise. On the imperial court, all of the high-ranking officials were in a somewhat melancholic mood. They had already chosen a side but the chosen successor was not who they chose.

Zhao Musheng had already left. Before leaving, he gave Ji Chengxue a long and hard look. That look was filled with deep meaning.

...

After walking out of the Main Hall and passing through the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, the same two figures were walking within the swirling snow. Ji Chengxue was somewhat silent for a moment. His mood was already completely different from when they came.

The man with a full beard was laughing with a wide grin on his face and was in high spirits. He was feeling happy for the third prince.

There were very little pedestrians on the entire Long Street. The swirling snow whizzed by and the cold wind rustled.

Clink, clink, clink. Clink, clink, clink.

The clear and melodious sound of bells rang out, echoing within the Long Street. Ji Chengxue and the man with a full beard stopped walking and stood on the spot.

In front of them, five beautiful women whose voluptuous bodies were wrapped in a transparent gauze attire leisurely walked in their direction. Bells were worn around their fair and delicate ankles. As they walked, the bells would produce tinkling sounds. The sound seemed to possess some sort of magical power that aroused the hearts of its listeners.

The man with a full beard stepped forward and stood in front of Ji Chengxue while angrily glaring at them. He took a deep breath and then angrily shouted, "You demonesses from the Joyous Union Sect, get out of our way!"

His voice was like the sound of thunder. It seemed to have turned into an invisible sound wave that crushed the snow that was swirling around them and even overshadowed the sound of the tinkling bells.

Wei Xiangsi and her four companions behind her all stopped walking. As their bodies swayed, pink true energy gushed out from their bodies and turned into a stream of true energy ribbon that floated around them.

"King Yu, that dog! How dare he conspire with the sects to assassinate the successor chosen by the late emperor! Is he planning to revolt!" the man with a full beard angrily roared.

Behind Ji Chengxue and the man with a full beard, the sound of footsteps lightly rang out. Hun Qianyun appeared in a black robe with spirit fire pulsating in his eye sockets.

"If Your Highness had not become the successor, King Yu might really not have dispatched us. If you have to blame something, blame your identity as the successor." Hun Qianyun's hoarse voice rang out and then a surging wave of true energy gushed out of his body and rushed toward Ji Chengxue.

"Kekeke! We're finally going to do something! I've been bored to death!" The Bone King's laughter rang out as he climbed out, appearing on the wall of a building nearby like a gecko.

This was a desperate situation for Ji Chengxue. From the fact that experts from the three great sects of the Heterodox Path that were conspiring with King Yu had brazenly set up an ambush in the middle of the imperial city's Long Street, King Yu was already planning to go out on a limb...

These three parties were not there to chat with Ji Chengxue and were truly intending to kill him. The sharp killing intent swept along with the cold wind was causing goosebumps to rise all over Ji Chengxue's body.

This was a premeditated ambush that targeted him.

The man with a full beard started laughing as his eye became as large as bells and the terrifying aura of a sixth grade Battle-Emperor burst forth from his body.

"You bunch of reckless fools, since you're seeking your own death, I will fulfill all of your wishes! Your Highness, hurry up and go!"

With a shout, his flaxen shirt was suddenly torn into pieces and his muscles rapidly expanded. His entire body suddenly grew taller and he turned into a giant. The true energy circulating within him was boiling hot and any snowflakes that landed on his skin instantly melted.

His foot suddenly stamped the ground. The accumulated snow on the ground broke into pieces and the tiles fractured and caved in as well. The man with a full beard turned into a blurry figure as he vigorously charged toward Wei Xiangsi and her companions who were blocking the way.

Ji Chengxue's expression was solemn as the tip of his toes brushed against the ground and he swiftly followed behind the man with a full beard.

A punch like the angry bellow of a bull was thrown out, creating a terrifying gale that carried true energy. It directly crushed the stream of true energy that surrounded Wei Xiangsi and her companions and a tremendous force immediately smashed into the five women, triggering girlish squeals.

Thereafter, the man with a full beard turned around with veins bulging all over his body and said, "Your Highness, I'll cover you! Hurry up and go!"

Ji Chengxue begin to frown as he gave the man with a full beard a glance and made up his mind in the end. He clenched his teeth before turning around and dashing away.

Hun Qianyun and the others hurriedly dashed forward, wanting to deal with Ji Chengxue. However, the man with a full beard took a step sideways and heavily stamped the ground, seemingly causing the entire ground to shake. He smashed his fists together and overbearingly roared, "Damn, you bunch of good for nothings! If you want to kill His Highness, you'll have to step over my body first!"

Hun Qianyun and the others were furious and immediately attacked him. Surging waves of true energy immediately flew toward the man with a full beard. Within an instant, he was completely drowned by waves of terrifying true energy.

...

Ji Chengxue's running strides slowed down. In the end, he completely stopped and stood still on the spot. It was not because he did not want to go forward but because a figure was standing there with his hands behind his back, not far away from him.

King Yu slowly turned around and serenely looked toward Ji Chengxue.

"I really didn't anticipate that… father would actually choose you in the end," Ji Chengyu mildy said. His voice was very serene. However, it was this serenity that caused all of the pores on Ji Chengxue's body to shrink and made him feel an unprecedented danger.

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

Chapter 129: The Future Emperor Is About to Die

As the aura emanating from King Yu continuously rose, his jet-black hair fluttered on its own. Surging waves of true energy was encircling his body and causing the falling snow to be easily dispersed.

The pores on Ji Chengxue's body all widened as he faced the intimidating aura emanating from King Yu. As a fifth grade Battle-King, he was somewhat helpless when facing King Yu who was already a sixth grade Battle-Emperor.

"Do you want to kill me?" Ji Chengxue calmly asked.

King Yu's gaze was cold and emotionless. There was not even the slightest change in his emotion as he expressionlessly looked at Ji Chengxue and said, "I've already reminded you before. I told you not to participate in this mess, otherwise you would pay a price that you wouldn't be able to bear...

"It's your own fault for not listening."

Ji Chengxue broke into a grin and took off his heavy cloak. A hint of malice appeared on his face that had always been gentle as well. This malice caused him to appear somewhat sinister.

"Ever since we were young, you've always been acting high and mighty. You've always felt as if you're superior than others, right? If you want a fight, then I'll give you one. In any case, we're bound to have a fight sooner or later," Ji Chengxue said with a sneer.

True energy started to float around his body as well as he heavily stamped the ground with his foot, dispersing the snow that had accumulated on the ground.

"Among the three of us, my cultivation level is the highest. How are you going to fight against me?" King Yu broke into a smile and his body instantly charged forward.

Bang bang bang!

As the figures of the two interweaved in a chaotic fight, their clashes resulted in waves of true energy flooding out and affecting the surroundings. Within this freezing cold environment, they were actually having a passionate battle.

However, Ji Chengxue was only a fifth grade Battle-King and there was still a difference in his combat abilities compared to King Yu in the end. A mouthful of boiling bright red blood sprayed into the air as Ji Chengxue's figure continuously backed away and fiercely smashed into a wall, causing the entire wall to collapse.

King Yu coldly smiled as he gathered true energy onto his palm and said, "Goodbye, my brother."

King Yu's gaze was emotionless as he pushed his palm forward in the direction of Ji Chengxue who was lying within the debris. If this attack succeeded, King Yu was confident that Ji Chengxue would be dead without a doubt.

Ji Chengxue was staring at King Yu as a bitter smile appeared on his lips. Even though the saying goes that the royalty have no relatives, he never expected King Yu to be this ruthless.

However, just as King Yu was about to kill Ji Chengxue with the palm strike, an intimidating aura suddenly appeared and caused King Yu's entire body to stiffen. Due to the aura, the true energy gathered in his palm dissipated as well.

A figure approached them while stepping on thin air and stopped between King Yu and Ji Chengxue.

"Xiao Meng?! Are you planning to intervene?" King Yu's pupils constricted and his eyes were filled with incredulity as he stared at the interloper.

"Didn't Xiao Meng say that he wouldn't support any of the princes? Why did he appear at this very moment to save Ji Chengxue?" King Yu thought while feeling somewhat furious. He knew ever since Xiao Meng appeared that he would not be able to kill Ji Chengxue.

"I am only participating on a personal basis today." Xiao Meng indifferently gave King Yu a glance and said, "After all… I am his brother-in-law."

"You..." King Yu was furious. He thought, "What is this lousy excuse! If you want to rescue Ji Chengxue, then just say it! What's the point of playing a family love card!"

"Chengxue, leave now. I want to have a nice and long chat with King Yu," Xiao Meng said.

Ji Chengxue got up from the ground and gave Xiao Meng a long and hard look as he wiped off the blood from the corner of his mouth. He did not understand why Xiao Meng would appear at this moment.

"Don't worry, your sister is recovering well," Xiao Meng softly said with his back facing Ji Chengxue.

Ji Chengxue was slightly startled and then an ecstatic expression suddenly appeared on his face. Even the injuries on his body were feeling not as painful as before.

Xiao Meng's words revealed a certain information, that his elder sister had awakened from her coma. This might have been the reason why Xiao Meng chose to intervene.

Ji Chengxue was overjoyed as he let out a laugh. He turned around before dashing away and left this place.

King Yu took a step forward and was unable to accept his defeat as he watched Ji Chengxue's departure. However, as he moved, Xiao Meng's gaze landed on him and a heavy aura pressed down upon him, causing his heart to sink.

...

"Elder sister has awakened… that's great! Looks like the ingredients that Xiao Yue gave to Owner Bu has been successfully turned into an elixir cuisine. As expected of Owner Bu, how formidable!" Ji Chengxue thought. He was holding his chest in pain but feeling extremely delighted.

The person that he was most concerned about was his comatose elder sister. After finding out about Ji Ru'Er's plan, he was even more looking forward to her awakening.

Now that his elder sister had awakened, Ji Chengxue was so happy that he did not even know what to say.

Suddenly, Ji Chengxue was startled. He looked up and saw that the entire sky was filled with swirling snow but not a single snowflake was falling. It was as if there was a glass cloche around him that was isolating him from the snow.

"What's going on?" Ji Chengxue thought as he suddenly felt an ominous feeling. As his gaze slowly lowered, he discovered that there was actually a figure slowly approaching from afar.

Golden rays of light that felt harmonious and warm circulated around Zhao Musheng with every step he took. Each ray of light was as dazzling as a golden lotus blooming.

Ji Chengxue's pupils suddenly constricted. He felt as if his heart was being tightly grasped by an invisible hand and he could not even breathe.

The soft chant of a sutra was resounding in his ears and his field of vision was filled with bright rays of light, as if Buddhist aura was bathing and enveloping Ji Chengxue.

"Zhao Musheng!" Ji Chengxue suddenly bit the tip of his tongue and the metallic taste of blood spread in his mouth. The pain caused him to sober up and see clearly the appearance of the person that was slowly approaching.

Zhao Musheng's amiable-looking face was filled with harmony like a Buddha. A smile was on his lips as he serenely looked at Ji Chengxue.

"Did the crown prince send you here to kill me?" Ji Chengxue eerily asked.

Zhao Musheng was someone belonging on the side of the crown prince and yet he appeared here at this very moment. The only explanation was that the crown prince had the same objective as King Yu.

A single posthumous edict triggered killing intent from both of his biological brothers. Ji Chengxue felt a surge of anger rise from the bottom of his heart and almost rush out from the top of his head.

Zhao Musheng shook his head and his gaze was still serene as he said, "His Majesty was very intelligent and kept a close eye on me. I thought His Majesty would chose King Yu but you were chosen instead. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter who is chosen… The one who will ascend the throne in the end can only be the crown prince."

"You really are loyal! You're cultivating with methods from the Mahayana Island and yet you're worrying for the empire, don't you feel tired?" Ji Chengxue asked with a sneer.

Zhao Musheng indifferently looked at the sneering Ji Chengxue. He slowly raised his hand and true energy immediately gushed out, forming a golden Buddha statue that emanated a gentle aura in front of him.

Zhao Musheng gently formed a mudra with his hand and then pushed his hand forward. That golden Buddha statue suddenly flew into the sky before slowly descending and enveloped Ji Chengxue.

"Loyalty? If he was ambitious like King Yu, I wouldn't be helping him. I am supporting him exactly because he's weak. Do you… understand?" Zhao Musheng said with a smile.

"I only need an obedient puppet..."

Plop!

After Ji Chengxue heard those words, his body that was enveloped within the Buddha statue suddenly shuddered. He collapsed onto the ground with blood leaking out from his nostrils and mouth and was at death's doorstep.

Zhao Musheng slowly walked toward Ji Chengxue while letting out a sigh filled with compassion.

Suddenly, a feminine shout came from the sky above, and a jade talisman that was radiating bright rays of light came crashing down toward Zhao Musheng.

Buzz!

Zhao Musheng's pupils constricted as he formed a mudra before deftly pushing his hand out and blocked the jade talisman. The jade talisman vibrated for a moment and then released bright flashes of light, forming a simplistic magic array. A dreadful amount of true energy burst out from the magic array and forced Zhao Musheng to take several steps backward.

"The Celestial Arcanum Sect's… Divination Spirit's Array!" Zhao Musheng muttered as his eyes narrowed.

A figure wrapped within a loose robe landed next to Ji Chengxue. With a wave of her fair and slender hand, cracks immediately appeared all over the Buddha statue before shattering it to pieces. Thereafter, she picked up Ji Chengxue with one hand.

"Old man, it's not good to be so ruthless..." After she finished speaking, Ni Yan gave Zhao Musheng a smile before her figure shot out and disappeared.

...

Fang Fang's Little Store.

Bu Fang was curled up on his chair and lightly sipping from a cup of hot water in his hand. Suddenly, a figure dashed into the store. Ni Yan appeared in front of him and at the same time, threw a bloodied figure onto the floor.

"Owner Bu, this fellow is the future emperor of the Light Wind Empire. However, he's about to die, hurry up and save him."

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

Chapter 130: I've Always Been Too Softhearted

"What in the world?" Bu Fang thought as he suspiciously gave Ni Yan a glance and then his gaze landed on the figure lying on the ground, who was at death's doorstep. He could not help but be surprised. "Isn't this Ji Chengxue? Why is he in such a miserable state?"

After placing the cup on a table, Bu Fang helped Ji Chengxue up and Ouyang Xiaoyi hurriedly ran over to help as well. They moved Ji Chengxue onto a chair so that he could comfortably lie down.

"What happened?" After performing all of these actions, only then did Bu Fang expressionlessly look toward Ni Yan who was standing at the doorway with a frown.

"What else could have happened? This fellow was ambushed. He was lucky that I was there, otherwise he would already be long dead," Ni Yan said as she gave Ji Chengxue a glance and sympathetically shook her head.

"King Yu brought his little partners from the sects to surround Ji Chengxue, but Ji Chengxue's subordinate protected him and allowed him to escape. As a result, he ran into King Yu and was almost beaten to death. Luckily for him, Xiao Meng's appearance saved him. In the end, he was unlucky enough to run into Zhao Musheng..." Ni Yan briefly narrated Ji Chengxue's ordeal.

The corner of Bu Fang's mouth twitched as he thought, "This Ji Chengxue truly is unlucky. What exactly did he do to incur so much resentment that they want to kill him so much?"

"Just what sort of outrageous deed did he commit?" Bu Fang asked once more as he gave Ji Chengxue a glance, noticing he was bleeding from all of his facial orifices.

At that moment, Ni Yan's expression became strange as well, seemingly wanting to laugh but being unable to do so. She said, "He didn't do any outrageous deeds. He only snatched the throne from both of his elder brothers that's all. The emperor's posthumous edict had just pronounced him as the successor. Therefore, he's going to be the future emperor of the Light Wind Empire… Of course, the precondition is that he has to survive first."

Bu Fang understood the situation in a flash. When Ji Chengxue, who was originally the least regarded among his brothers, unexpectedly became the successor to the throne, those brothers of his were naturally infuriated from the embarrassment. Without possessing the corresponding strength, he obtained something he should not have. This was the so-called, "Wealth leads to disaster".

"Then why did you bring him here? This is a restaurant, not a hospital," Bu Fang seriously asked as he expressionlessly looked at Ni Yan.

Ni Yan's slightly narrowed and seemingly turned into adorable crescent moons. The corners of her mouth curled up into a smile as she said, "If I send him to a hospital with his injuries, he'll be dead for sure. After getting hit by a secret technique from the Mahayama Island, even a divine doctor would have difficulty in saving him."

"Don't count on saving him with an elixir cuisine. The two types of elixir cuisine that I can cook won't be able to treat his injuries," Bu Fang replied.

Ni Yan attentively stared at Bu Fang as her rosy tongue ran over her delicate lips and she said, "Since the elixir cuisine wouldn't work… Don't you have a spirit herb? Using a seventh grade spirit herb like the Phoenix Blood Herb to treat this sort of injuries should be more than enough.

"Actually, a single section should be enough," Ni Yan said.

Bu Fang broke into a grin. As he had expected, this woman was aiming for his Phoenix Blood Herb. After coming in contact with the blood of the Ancient Phoenix, the seventh grade spirit herb Phoenix Blood Herb possessed exceptional restorative effects and was indeed the best choice for saving Ji Chengxue at that moment.

However, Bu Fang was feeling somewhat hesitant. His original intention for holding onto the Phoenix Blood Herb was for the sake of brewing a wine that could surpass the "Dragon's Breath". After all, a seventh grade spirit herb was not so easy to find.

"Isn't your objective to obtain the Phoenix Blood Herb? If I were to use the Phoenix Blood Herb to save him, wouldn't you need it anymore?" Bu Fang puzzledly asked.

Ni Yan gave him a bright smile as she pointed at Ji Chengxue and said, "It's rare for me to be able to get away from the sect, so how could my objective be just to obtain the Phoenix Blood Herb? Just use it to save him, I won't feel anguished about it. There's still quite an amount of seventh grade spirit herbs back at our sect."

Bu Fang expressionlessly thought, "You won't feel anguished… but I would."

Bu Fang could not be bothered to say anything else to this woman. His gaze landed on Ji Chengxue who was at death's doorstep. As he looked at this handsome man who was usually gentle and refined but was now on the verge of death, he could not help but let out a sigh.

"I've always been too softhearted," Bu Fang thought with a sigh.

Thereafter, he had Ouyang Xiaoyi look after Ji Chengxue while he headed toward the kitchen. In the end, he could not just watch as someone died in front of him. Even if he was the type of person who disregarded human life, he still had to help as Ji Chengxue was his longtime customer.

He took out the Phoenix Blood Herb from the cupboard. The exquisite and beautiful Phoenix Blood Herb was brownish-red like it was carved from a Carnelian stone. Due to the preservation functionality of the system's cupboard, it was still lush and filled with spirit energy.

As Bu Fang walked out of the kitchen, the fragrance of the Phoenix Blood Herb instantly spread out and the temperature within the store suddenly rose by quite a lot.

When Ni Yan saw the Phoenix Blood Herb in Bu Fang's hands, her pretty eyes suddenly lit up. It was a seventh spirit herb after all. Despite what she said earlier, even the Celestial Arcanum Sect did not have that many of them in their inventory.

On the tiny little Phoenix Blood Herb, the vibrant fire on its surface was like a phoenix that wished to ascend into the sky. Within the herb, there was an abundant amount of vitality as well as a dreadful destruction energy.

"Feed him with half of the Phoenix Blood Herb is enough. As for whether or not he will survive, it'll depend on his own fortune," Ni Yan reminded. The Phoenix Blood Herb was a seventh grade spirit herb with astonishing curative effects after all. If Ji Chengxue ate the entire herb in his current state, he would not only be unable to recover but would probably immediately explode from the destruction energy contained within the herb.

Bu Fang expressionlessly gave her a glance and nodded. A green wisp of smoke encircled his hand and the Golden Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife appeared. Without any hesitation, he used the knife on the Phoenix Blood Herb.

The cut was extremely smooth and there was not even the slightest drop in the medicinal strength of the Phoenix Blood Herb...

Ni Yan's eyes suddenly lit up brightly. As she stared at the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife in Bu Fang's hands, a violent storm was raging in her heart.

With a wave of his hand, the Dragon Bone Kitchen Knife turned back into a wisp of green smoke and dissipated. Bu Fang walked toward Ji Chengxue and pried open his mouth. As he channeled true energy to his palm, a few droplets of juice that had a thick smell of blood immediately dripped down from the Phoenix Blood Herb.

The juice continued to drip until the portion of the Phoenix Blood Herb in Bu Fang's hand finally completely dissolved into blood and fell into Ji Chengxue's mouth.

"This should be fine, right? Hmm… There's still half of the herb left. However, I can't use it as the main ingredient anymore. Looks like I'll have to find another spirit herb that can be used to brew wine," Bu Fang muttered to himself as he stored the remaining half of the Phoenix Blood Herb into the system's storage space.

As Bu Fang turned around to face Ni Yan, he discovered the latter's eyes were filled with slight envy as she stared at his wrist.

"You actually possess a semi-divine tool..."

"Semi-divine tool?" Bu Fang was somewhat puzzled.

Ni Yan looked away with a strange feeling on her mind as she smacked her lips. Semi-divine tools were extremely rare in the Hidden Dragon Continent… Even though the Celestial Arcanum Sect collected information on everything in the world, they did not possess any information on Bu Fang's semi-divine tool.

If the kitchen knife had not turned into a wisp of green smoke and assimilated into the image on Bu Fang's wrist, Ni Yan would really be uncertain about whether that kitchen knife was a semi-divine tool or not.

"Nonetheless… A semi-divine tool that's a kitchen knife?" Ni Yan's expression became even weirder as she thought, "Just which accursed tool-making master with too much time on his hands spent valuable materials to make this?"

"Ah!"

Just when Ni Yan and Bu Fang were both deep in thought, Ji Chengxue, who had consumed half of the Phoenix Blood Herb, suddenly let out a scream and his eyes instantly turned bloodshot as if the fire of a phoenix was blazing underneath his corneas.

The process of rising from the ashes had begun. Whether or not Ji Chengxue would be able to survive would depend on his own willpower.

Bu Fang let out a yawn. After taking a look at the sky, he turned around and drove Ni Yan out. Ouyang Xiaoyi bid her farewell with Bu Fang as well. Thereafter, he placed the door boards back in place and ended the business for the day.

Ji Chengxue continued to incessantly wail and howl in pain inside the store. That sort of heart gouging pain... Bu Fang could not understand.

Therefore, Bu Fang went into the kitchen and practiced making some dishes for a while. After he practiced his cutting and carving techniques and brewed a large vat of Ice Heart Jade Urn Wine, he went upstairs and washed up before going to bed.

It was especially important for him to maintain his sleep. The room's soundproofing was pretty good and he was unable to hear Ji Chengxue's screams. At least, Bu Fang fell soundly asleep after a short while.