Chapter 16 Food Hunter

The next two matches, Chen Mo's opponents weren't very strong, even weaker than the Swamp Frog in the first match.

Barely revealing any trump cards, the Blazing Flame Fox easily secured the victories.

"Chirp!"

Xiao Jiu's tail was nearly standing up.

"Don't underestimate them. It's in the main matches that we'll face real opponents. If we win a prize, I'll split half with you!"

Chen Mo stroked the soft fur of the Blazing Flame Fox, smiling as he spoke.

"Chirp!" (Xiao Jiu doesn't want the prize money, Xiao Jiu just needs dried fish every day!)

Under Chen Mo's touch, the Blazing Flame Fox comfortably squinted its eyes.

Xiao Jiu's history of wandering as a child made it very easily satisfied, and it knew that its current strength was all thanks to its Spirit Master.

Although a bit of money is nice, the money in Chen Mo's hands could serve a greater purpose, and it would bring them a step closer to affording treatment for grandma.

"No problem, I'll bring you to eat high-end dried fish every day!"

"Chirp!" (You're the best, master!)

In the afternoon, Chen Mo headed to the Food God University with the Blazing Flame Fox.

The preliminaries would last a total of three days, and since Chen Mo had already advanced, he no longer had to worry about the remaining matches.

Unless the number of qualifiers exceeded 32 people, more rounds would be held. However, based on previous years, there are rarely more than 32 advancements.

After changing a few trains, Chen Mo finally arrived at the gates of Food God University.

Unexpectedly, Chen Mo found the university's management to be quite strict, as he was stopped by a security guard at the gate.

In the end, it was Xiao Jiu who charmed one of the university's girls, winning her over.

With her help, Chen Mo successfully saw ten different food-themed spirits.

It was an eye-opener.

Spirits like the Little Toast Monster, who could continuously produce delicious toast with its regenerative moves, a Lemon Essence that could remove fishy smells and enhance the taste with a drop, and the Little Lotus Monster that added texture and aroma to dishes, alongside a Devil Pepper that made food super spicy, among others.

These culinary spirits generally didn't have strong combat abilities but possessed many techniques to enhance food taste.

With the help of these food spirits, Spirit Chefs could often create explosively delicious dishes with special effects.

Some advanced dishes could even promote the evolution of spiritual beasts.

Just the scent alone made Xiao Jiu drool.

The kind girl even personally prepared a sweet and sour rib dish for the little one.

Satisfied, both human and beast headed home.

Indeed, some beasts can coast by on looks alone for food and drink!

On the way home, Chen Mo made a surprising discovery—

After acquiring the [Gourmet Tracker] entry, because he also had a [Food Lover] entry, these two entries fused together into a blue entry.

[Food Hunter] (Blue)

Entry Effect: After tasting gourmet food, there is a small chance to gain an enhancement in a certain ability. The higher the quality of the food, the greater the enhancement effect. You have the ability to sense all food-type spirits or ingredients within a 200-meter radius.

"It can actually fuse, not only freeing up an entry slot but also enhancing the effect!"

The fusion of two similar entries!

This is excellent!

——————————————

Two days later, Chen Mo returned to the Sailboat Stadium.

Today was the official main event of the fledgling cup.

Unlike the preliminaries, the main matches featured dedicated hosts, referees, judging guests, and media coverage, with the content broadcasted on local TV stations.

Moreover, opponents were decided one hour prior by a draw conducted by the participants themselves.

After drawing lots, Chen Mo saw his opponent's information for the top 32 match.

[Spirit Master: Chen Xuan]

[Spiritual Beast: Little Lion Dog]

[Spiritual Beast Growth Level: Transcendent 1-stage]

[Competition Arena: Arena No. 2]

[Competition Time: 9:00 start]

"An opponent at the Extraordinary rank, we must not underestimate them."

"Chirp!"

Xiao Jiu nodded in understanding.

Although unbeaten since emerging, it comprehended the concept of "mountains beyond mountains, beasts beyond beasts."

"Let's take our medicine first, I mean, let's eat candy."

Chen Mo took out the honey milk candy and dried fish he had prepared in advance. After consumption, Xiao Jiu felt warm throughout its body, brimming with power.

Over the next hour, Xiao Jiu's attack, defense, and speed would all be enhanced.

The effect was even slightly better now that the entry had upgraded to [Food Hunter].

At this moment, even without considering other entry boosts, Xiao Jiu's physical attributes were comparable to a spiritual beast at the Awakened 9th Rank.

"It seems that taking the path of a Spirit Chef is viable, as the more delicious the food, the stronger the boost."

Chen Mo thought secretly as he stepped into the arena.

The opposing Spirit Master and spiritual beast stepped onto the field almost simultaneously.

Little Lion Dog was a fire-element spirit beast, loyal and brave, beloved by many Spirit Masters.

Although its name included the word "little," its body size was by no means small, comparable to large dog breeds already.

After evolving into a Fire Lion Beast, its size would be akin to that of a large predator.

"Roar!"

Upon seeing the Blazing Flame Fox, the Little Lion Dog let out a roar, its pitch-black eyes fiercely glaring at Xiao Jiu.

It attempted to intimidate the Blazing Flame Fox, hoping to make it hesitant and gain an advantage before the match began.

The Blazing Flame Fox was about to glare back, unafraid as ever, but then Chen Mo's voice echoed in its mind—"Feign weakness."

Seeing the Little Lion Dog intimidating Xiao Jiu, Chen Mo laughed.

Since the opponent was playing dirty, he might as well play along.

It wasn't that Chen Mo was scheming; rather, the allure of the 300k prize money was too enticing to leave room for any unexpected incidents.

Understanding Chen Mo's intention, Xiao Jiu's body trembled, instinctively taking a step back, averting its gaze from the Little Lion Dog.

Witnessing this, Chen Mo fervently praised the little one in his heart.

Jiu Bao, truly worthy! Full marks on acting talent!

Seeing this, the corner of Chen Xuan's mouth curled into a smile as he started taunting:

"Can you do it, fox?"

Chen Mo ignored him.

Soon, the referee waved down the flag:

"Match start!"

The moment the referee spoke, the Little Lion Dog charged, its mouth producing crimson flames, sketching a flame path mid-air in its rapid advance, while the Blazing Flame Fox stood dazed as if paralyzed with fear.

"Little Lion Dog quickly approaches the Blazing Flame Fox, then follows up with Flame Teeth, Blazing Flame Fox... Blazing Flame Fox seems frozen with fear, failing to move! Quickly, move! Blazing Flame Fox!"

The commentator passionately narrated the match.

"The Blazing Flame Fox hasn't dodged, Little Lion Dog's Flame Teeth has struck Blazing Flame Fox! It seems the match's outcome is determined!"

Audience members couldn't bear watching, as it seemed like a bully picking on a gentle girl.

However, at the commentator's words end, they saw purple lightning suddenly burst from the claws of the Blazing Flame Fox, which was bitten on its back, as Thunderclaw swiftly scratched across the Little Lion Dog's back!