Chapter 168: News of Tang San and Dai Mubai, Qian Renxue: You Call This Delicious?

Welcome our new Patron: Huboor Abdulla

------------------------------------------------------

The blue-clad youth's eyes were filled with excitement and fighting spirit. "Master said that Spirit City is the most prosperous city on the continent, with the best and most formidable opponents in its soul battle arenas."

"The four of us must turn it upside down and make Shrek Academy famous!"

Dai Mubai grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! You, me, Xiao Ao, and Hongjun—the strongest attacks, the strongest support, and with Tang San's control over Blue Silver Grass and his hidden weapons…"

"We'll be invincible, unstoppable!"

"We'll show the world that Shrek is the strongest academy!"

Hearing Tang San and Dai Mubai's excited discussion, Yu Xiaogang, who was standing outside the room, nodded approvingly.

"Those who avoid trouble are mediocres. Tang San and Mubai truly deserve to be called excellent students of Shrek."

At this moment, a hoarse and low voice emerged from the shadows. "Sending Tang San to Spirit City… will he be alright?"

Seeing the visitor, Yu Xiaogang's expression immediately turned serious as he whispered, "Lord Hao Tian, please rest assured."

"I know the methods of the Spirit Hall. As long as Tang San doesn't reveal his second spirit, no one will discover his identity."

"And besides, I didn't get the answers I wanted last time. I must go again; otherwise, how can we train twin martial souls…"

Upon hearing this, Tang Hao fell silent for a moment.

"Spirit City is where the greatest concentration of young geniuses from across the continent gather. Only by going there can we fully unleash Tang San and the others' potential, isn't that right?"

Yu Xiaogang spoke again.

After a long pause—

"Fine then. Even if something unexpected happens, I'm confident I can bring Tang San out!"

Seeing Tang Hao finally relent, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

After all, he had his own selfish motives. Every time he thought about the humiliation he endured months ago, his hands clenched involuntarily. 'Dai Chengfeng!'

'Just wait. My disciple will surpass you!'

'My theories cannot be questioned by someone like you!'

---

Spirit City, Death Canyon.

Inside the campsite of Dai Chengfeng and Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue leaned against a tree trunk, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight as she watched Dai Chengfeng skillfully gut the fish he had just caught from the river. She raised an eyebrow:

"You, the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire, actually know how to cook fish?"

In this life, Dai Chengfeng naturally didn't need to learn cooking—but he knew how to do so in his previous life.

Dai Chengfeng's fingers moved swiftly, scales falling onto the stone slab with a soft rustle. A light laugh escaped his throat. "West Lake Vinegar Fish—it's a delicacy! I guarantee you'll want more after tasting it!"

He deliberately drew out the last syllable, then pulled out bottles and jars from his spirit ring, skillfully sprinkling seasonings that were similar but not entirely identical to those from his past life.

But none of that mattered…

After all, if he really wanted it to taste good, Dai Chengfeng wouldn't have made West Lake Vinegar Fish.

Thinking about the expression Qian Renxue might make later, Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

Soon, the fish began bubbling in the pot, its aroma mingling with a smoky scent that wafted through the air.

Finally satisfied, Dai Chengfeng handed a wooden spoon to Qian Renxue, tilting his chin slightly upward. "Help yourself, my esteemed guest."

Qian Renxue stared at this unfamiliar dish, her eyelashes fluttering faintly. "Aren't you eating?"

"Of course."

A mischievous glint sparkled in Dai Chengfeng's eyes. "But when entertaining a distinguished guest, how could the host eat first?"

"Fine."

Qian Renxue felt something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Soon, Qian Renxue scooped up a piece of fish meat, but the moment it touched her lips, her pupils contracted sharply.

"You call this delicious? Do people from your Star Luo Empire really eat this?"

"Not tasty?"

Dai Chengfeng pretended to take a bite, his face instantly contorting. Though the seasonings were different, the flavor was still somewhat authentic, making this West Lake Vinegar Fish relatively genuine.

"Of course not!"

Qian Renxue stood up at once, walked over to Dai Chengfeng, and slowly lowered her head to glare at him.

"This is gourmet food? Dai Chengfeng, are you messing with me?"

"How could I?" Dai Chengfeng shook his head solemnly. "Because this West Lake Vinegar Fish isn't entirely authentic!"

"Not entirely authentic? Then what would a completely authentic version be like?"

Seeing Qian Renxue's still-doubtful eyes, Dai Chengfeng spoke gravely.

"A completely authentic version… would taste even worse! Haha!"

With that, Dai Chengfeng turned around and tried to make a quick escape.

"Dai! Cheng! Feng! You little brat!"

Realizing Dai Chengfeng had indeed been teasing her, Qian Renxue clenched her teeth in anger and grabbed at his collar. However, Dai Chengfeng dodged sideways, though she still managed to catch the edge of his shirt.

In the firelight, Qian Renxue glared at Dai Chengfeng.

Her slightly parted lips were smeared with fish broth, and tiny sparks of light danced amidst her disheveled hair, giving her an unusually lively appearance compared to usual.

"Are you feeling better now?"

Dai Chengfeng smiled, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Hmm?"

Qian Renxue paused for a moment before suddenly realizing—he had noticed her earlier melancholy and deliberately done this…

Though the method made Qian Renxue feel the fish had died in vain,

she couldn't deny that she no longer felt as upset…

At this thought, a flicker of gratitude passed through Qian Renxue's eyes.

"Hmph, I'll let it slide this time. Don't think there'll be a next time."

Qian Renxue gave a soft snort, turning her face away and pretending to ignore him. But secretly, she added a few dry sticks to the bonfire. The dancing flames cast their shadows on the rock wall, sometimes overlapping, sometimes separating.

Lost in thought, Qian Renxue occasionally stole glances at Dai Chengfeng, her cheeks flushing with an unnatural redness.

Watching her, a smile unconsciously tugged at Dai Chengfeng's lips.

Eventually, as the night grew deeper, they each returned to their tents to rest. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the canyon, casting a soft silver glow around the camp.

---

The next morning.

The first rays of dawn broke through, and the chirping of birds shattered the silence of Death Canyon.

Qian Renxue woke up first, tidied her clothes, washed briefly with stream water, and then woke Dai Chengfeng.

After packing up the camp, they continued their journey.

Death Canyon was fraught with danger. Low-level soul beasts occasionally leapt out, only to be easily dealt with by them.

Along the way, Dai Chengfeng also discovered several precious herbs, carefully picking and storing them.

Seeing this, Qian Renxue's eyes flickered with surprise—she hadn't expected Dai Chengfeng to have knowledge of medicinal plants.

As they ventured deeper, the surrounding air grew heavier, the temperature plummeted, and a thin layer of frost covered the ground.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a striking red line appeared before them, glowing with an eerie cold light, resembling an invisible barrier.

"This is the boundary our Spirit Hall has drawn for evil soul masters. Those who cross it die."

Qian Renxue stopped, her expression growing serious. "And beyond this point, they exist."

Dai Chengfeng gazed at the red line, his mind filled with thoughts of his nearly complete Killing God Domain and the Life-or-Death Arena he had never used but desperately wanted to test.

A smirk formed on his lips, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Finally here. Let's see what these evil soul masters are truly capable of!"

------------------------------------------------------

40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)