Chapter 0619: Seeking a Husband

A single piece of information for a hundred thousand Eternal Coins? That was outrageous. Especially when it wasn't even top-secret intelligence—just something Yi Tianxing didn't want to waste time looking into himself. Otherwise, he could have figured out fifty to sixty percent of it on his own. Time was the only real issue. But now they wanted a hundred thousand coins? Did they think he was made of money?

At this rate, even a wealthy landowner would run out of reserves.

"I was joking. Look, gathering that information wasn't easy. I've got a lot of mouths to feed under me. How about ten thousand Eternal Coins? And I'll throw in another piece of important, fresh intel for free."

Jin Xiangyu chuckled lightly, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.

"What important news?" Yi Tianxing asked, full of curiosity.

"Pay up first." Jin Xiangyu smiled sweetly.

"You really are extorting me, huh." Yi Tianxing shook his head and smiled bitterly.

Still, he didn't argue. Ten thousand was far more reasonable than a hundred thousand. Besides, the Dragon Gate Inn operated entirely in Eternal Coins, which was good for his own interests, too. No need to fuss over such a small matter.

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed over ten thousand Eternal Coins and took the intelligence report into his hands. "Alright, tell me. What's this important news?"

Jin Xiangyu eagerly scooped up the coins, her smile growing even brighter. Though honestly, bright or not, it didn't change much for her.

"You just arrived at the Golden Sand Desert, so you probably haven't heard—there's a famous ancient city in the desert," she said, her tone casual.

"The Ancient City of Jingjue?" Yi Tianxing's eyes lit up as he quickly responded.

"You've heard of it?" Jin Xiangyu was momentarily surprised, but then she nodded. "Yes, the Jingjue Ancient City. It was once a small kingdom among the western regions. The Queen of Jingjue is extremely capable and powerful. She tamed exotic serpents, built villages from scratch, and expanded step by step. Recently, she even upgraded it into a city. The population within the city has now reached six to seven hundred thousand, and even more rely on the city to survive. Many surrounding villages and towns follow her lead."

"She really is a remarkable woman."

Yi Tianxing nodded. To achieve such a feat as a woman, building such a vast foundation, she had already surpassed most men. Few could compare.

Regardless of her temperament, her capability was undeniable. She was both formidable and exceptional.

"Yes, she's definitely unique. But the big news is related to her." Jin Xiangyu leaned in slightly.

"What news?" Yi Tianxing asked.

"She's seeking a husband—a public marriage selection through the ancient custom of throwing an embroidered ball. She's choosing a consort to rule Jingjue with her," Jin Xiangyu said with a faint smile, her eyes fixed on Yi Tianxing's face, watching his reaction closely.

"Throwing an embroidered ball to pick a husband?" Yi Tianxing raised an eyebrow in surprise.

The Queen of Jingjue was clearly a dominant woman, strong-willed and assertive. It was hard to imagine her using such a traditional method to choose a partner. It seemed… absurd.

"Yes, it's strange, but the news is solid. While not officially announced, it's already circulating in smaller circles. The event is scheduled for next month. The formal announcement should come out in a few days. Once it's public, strong cultivators from all over will likely flock to Jingjue City," Jin Xiangyu said with a sly smile. "With your strength and charm, City Lord Yi, you might just catch her eye. The Queen is said to be breathtakingly beautiful, a true nation-toppling beauty."

"I'll definitely visit Jingjue City. I want to meet her myself. But as for the marriage—no thanks. With her temperament, we'd never get along," Yi Tianxing replied, shaking his head. He preferred gentle women. A dominant queen like her would likely stir up chaos in the harem.

As they chatted, Wang Xiao'er arrived, holding several dishes.

"Boss lady, the food's here."

He placed three dishes on the table, each covered with a lid.

"Try these. They're our signature dishes—you won't find them anywhere else. One taste and you'll be hooked," Jin Xiangyu said with a smile, gesturing for Wang Xiao'er to introduce them.

Wang Xiao'er stepped forward, lifting the first lid. A flash of light gleamed—a shimmering, radiant soup appeared.

"Mr. Yi, this is our inn's specialty: Jade Pearl Soup. Made with the finest pearls, cooked using a unique technique. It's absolutely delicious. Everyone who's tried it says it's amazing."

He beamed as he spoke—but somehow, that smile gave off an ominous vibe.

As the light faded, a large bowl of shimmering green soup was revealed. The surface sparkled with what looked like pearls, an edible artwork so visually appealing it stirred a primal urge to drink it.

"Jade Pearl Soup?"

Yi Tianxing twitched slightly at the corners of his mouth.

He couldn't help but complain silently: Illusions again. He already knew the Dragon Gate Inn was a shady establishment. Their food had always been dark cuisine. He'd eaten bugs here before—now they wanted him to eat eyeballs?

Others might be fooled, but not him. His Innate Yin-Yang Eyes immediately saw through the illusion. Those pearls? Not pearls at all—they were translucent, glistening eyeballs. Leafy greens floated in the soup, releasing puffs of green steam that looked straight-up toxic.

He could almost hear a voice from the soup, whispering: "Eat me... Drink me... Give me your soul…"

It was downright creepy.

Still, the aroma was quite good.

Taking a deep breath, he filled a bowl. The eyes floated, swirling. He scooped one up with a spoon and, without hesitation, put it in his mouth.

The moment the soup touched his tongue, a wave of umami burst across his palate. His pores opened instantly. Though it looked like poison, it tasted divine.

When his teeth bit into the eyeball, it burst with a viscous fluid—rich, fresh, even subtly sweet. It exploded like a flavor bomb. His entire soul seemed to tremble.

The core flavor was inside the eyeballs, released in an instant. It was more intense than any soup dumpling—unforgettable.

His gourmet cells began singing with joy.

Heavenly energy naturally entered his body, enhancing his physique. His white cauldron core gathered more and more blood-essence.

One thousand pounds. Two thousand pounds…

This strengthening sensation was delightful—almost addictive.

Spoon after spoon, he finished the whole bowl. Heat surged through him as the Food Cauldron Life Aperture processed the essence.

A new imprint appeared on the cauldron—a multi-eyed insect, covered in twitching eyes. Anyone with trypophobia would pass out at the sight.

Clearly, the eyes had come from these strange bugs.

"It looked awful, but the eyes were delicious. Dark cuisine really does have its own charm," Yi Tianxing admitted inwardly.

One bowl of Jade Pearl Soup increased his physical strength by five to six thousand pounds. He was now even closer to triggering the Fourth Resonance of the White Cauldron.

"Here's the second dish: White Jade Brain Tofu."

Wang Xiao'er unveiled the second dish.

A large bowl of pure white tofu lay before him—so soft it seemed to ripple with the slightest breeze. It was almost too beautiful to touch.

"That's brain matter!!"

Again, Yi Tianxing's illusions peeled away the disguise. It wasn't tofu. It was literal brain matter, probably just extracted. Hot, jelly-like, shimmering in the bowl.

Tofu was tofu. This was something else entirely.

It was a psychological challenge to eat.

"Well, if I could eat that cursed golden fried rice before, brain matter shouldn't be a problem. I'll just pretend it's tofu."

He took a deep breath and brought the bowl to his lips, spooning a portion into his mouth—expression calm and collected.

If it was food, he would eat it with respect.