Chapter 56: Spirit Chef Hong Yaozu

  Transtor: Krukist

  Chen Shuitian chose not to mention the matter and pretended as if he was completely unaware. After Lin Yu left the kitchen, he informed Chen Shuitian that there were no usable ingredients left.

  Chen Shuitian nodded and wrote a few lines in the air. Before long, a middle-aged man, whose face Lin Yu found somewhat familiar, arrived at the building.

  As soon as Lin Yu saw him, he immediately remembered—on the day He Wu arrived, nine people had come to the Dining Pavilion. However, this middle-aged man had remained behind, coldly observing everything that transpired.

  After Han Ya left, the man had also disappeared without a sound.

  A chill ran down Lin Yu’s spine. Only now did he realize that, on that day, this middle-aged man had left almost no impression on him. If he had to recall anything, it would be that expressionless face—neither sad nor joyful.

  It seemed as if this man cked the ability to express emotions, always wearing a cold and indifferent look.

  Lin Yu instinctively wondered—could this person be a pawn pnted by the Seven Great Cns by Chen Shuitian’s side? After all, when Chen Shuitian made his pns, while they weren’t exactly top-secret, if He Wu and his group got wind of them, they could easily find ways to hinder Lin Yu’s cultivation.

  At that moment, Chen Shuitian seemed to notice Lin Yu’s doubt and chuckled, saying, "You’re not worried that Old Hong is someone else’s spy, are you?"

  After hearing Chen Shuitian’s expnation, Lin Yu suddenly understood. This Old Hong’s full name was Hong Yaozu—a rather unassuming name. However, he held a high position within the Dining Pavilion. Though his presence had always been subtle, he was actually one of Chen Shuitian’s trusted aides within the Pavilion.

  Chen Shuitian spoke in a low voice, "Originally, after that unworthy senior disciple of mine left without permission, I intended to appoint Old Hong as the Vice Pavilion Master of the Dining Pavilion. But he refused, which is why I chose you instead."

  So he was one of Chen Shuitian’s people all along!

  Hong Yaozu nodded slightly at Lin Yu, pced down the ingredients he had brought, but did not leave. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Lin Yu. After a long moment, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice, "I heard from Chen Pushe that your Spirit Feast has extraordinary effects."

  Chen Shuitian praised, "Lin Yu’s Spirit Feast, if judged solely by appearance, might not even seem like a Spirit Feast. Yet, it can significantly enhance the cultivation of anyone at the Third-Grade level or below. It’s truly remarkable."

  Hong Yaozu’s eyes seemed to gleam as he spoke in a firm voice, "Vice Pavilion Master, may I have the honor of tasting it?"

  He bowed slightly.

  Lin Yu could feel his deep passion for culinary arts. He was momentarily taken aback—Hong Yaozu, being a key figure in the Dining Pavilion, certainly had a high cultivation level.

  For someone of his status to lower his head was no small matter.

  Especially bowing to a young man like himself. Yet, he did so willingly, all for the sake of tasting Lin Yu’s dish. This was purely out of love for the culinary arts—something Lin Yu had not expected. His expression turned solemn, and he nodded.

  Chen Shuitian expined from the side, "Old Hong’s passion for cooking is immense. He originally belonged to the Weapon Pavilion but was transferred to the Dining Pavilion because of his dedication to the path of the Spirit Chef. Otherwise…"

  Upon receiving Lin Yu’s approval, Hong Yaozu smiled. It was the first time Lin Yu had seen him smile, though the expression seemed somewhat stiff and unnatural. He turned to Chen Shuitian and said in a low voice, "The path of the Spirit Chef is truly fascinating."

  Yet, his voice carried a deep sense of regret.

  "Unfortunately, I have only reached the Third-Grade Spirit Chef level and cannot advance further."

  "I’ve heard that Spirit Feasts of the Fourth Grade and above possess extraordinary effects, even akin to Spiritual Medicine, capable of reviving the dead and regenerating flesh and bone…"

  Nan Ziyan muttered, "Mr. Hong, that would be Immortal Medicine, not Spiritual Medicine, and certainly not a Spirit Feast. A Fourth-Grade Spirit Feast can, at best, provide a permanent boost to one’s strength."

  A permanent boost?!

  Hong Yaozu’s breath hitched slightly. He did not deny it—such was indeed the effect of a Fourth-Grade Spirit Feast.

  "I wonder what kind of surprise this Lin Yu, who is said to master both taste and effectiveness, can bring me."

  Hong Yaozu’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he looked toward the kitchen.

  ---

  Lin Yu entered the kitchen without hesitation. First, he deep-fried a chicken leg, followed by tempura-style fried vegetables and fresh shrimp. Then, he prepared a dish of braised chicken with mushrooms.

  Finally, considering that everyone outside was a cultivator—and the fact that Chen Shuitian had specifically arranged for pork to be delivered—wasn’t that a clear hint?

  Thus, Lin Yu made braised pork belly as well.

  As he cooked, Lin Yu couldn’t help but think, "Pork seems to have a very low status in this world. But that’s likely because of its strong, gamey smell."

  "If I could find a way to breed pigs without that unpleasant odor—ones simir to those on Earth—then pork could become popur among commoners. That would be quite an achievement."

  Lin Yu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  As the dishes were about to be served, a realization suddenly struck him.

  Perhaps the computer within his Sea of Consciousness existed precisely for this purpose.

  His expression turned somewhat complex. "I think I finally understand the true purpose of the computer."

  ---

  Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Dining Pavilion, eight figures, including He Wu, sat in deep discussion.

  "It seems that Chen Shuitian is arranging some kind of special training for Lin Yu."

  A representative from the Chen family frowned and said, "You all know Chen Shuitian’s ability as a mentor. And Lin Yu—that arrogant brat—might have something up his sleeve. We can’t be too sure."

  He Wu’s eyes gleamed with disdain. In his opinion, no matter how talented Lin Yu was, there was no way he could surpass him.

  However, there were forces lurking behind He Wu. The Seven Great Cns were already displeased with him. If he continued to act too arrogantly, they might abandon him altogether.

  If that happened, and he had to face Chen Shuitian’s wrath alone…

  He Wu didn’t dare to imagine such a scenario.

  At that moment, a representative from the Zhou family, who had remained silent, spoke in a deep voice, "One month. There are only twenty-seven days left. We must take action…"

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