Heavens! It Smells Like Money!

But the moment the thought surfaced, he snuffed it out himself.

He couldn't help it. Ever since he'd picked up the little girl in the wilderness eleven years ago, he'd raised her day by day and watched her grow from a tiny child into a young woman. After spoiling her for eleven whole years, he was already too used to it to stop.

She was his child. If he didn't spoil her, who would?

Besides... Chu Kuangren's ears twitched. He'd heard it loud and clear just now: the brat's stomach had rumbled so loudly it practically shook the heavens. He'd heard it distinctly from more than ten paces away!

(Chu Kuangren's inner monologue: Oh, the poor child. Wasn't she eating well in Hong Kong? Aren't the tea restaurants there supposed to be famous? How could she still get so hungry she lost weight?... Wait! If Hong Kong is already like this, then when she goes to the United Kingdom...)

Chu Kuangren's thoughts instantly wandered to a certain country famous as a "culinary desert." Images immediately appeared in his mind: fried fish, french fries, and more fried fish and french fries in different shapes...

Uh, he didn't dare think about it!

The old man shuddered, nearly breaking out in a cold sweat.

He could already imagine what his disciple, who couldn't live without good food, might do after a few days of eating British food at Hogwarts.

She'd most likely either fly back to the Mount Kunlun cafeteria on her sword or take her bonded flying sword and force the house-elves at Hogwarts to learn how to make sweet-and-sour spare ribs!

(Chu Kuangren's inner monologue: No! Absolutely not! Studying abroad is important for exchange between East and West! How can she give up halfway because of food? I have to find a way... I have to come up with a foolproof plan, and fast! Looks like it's time to pack that Portable Spiritual Energy Kitchen I've been saving and the Complete Chinese Cookbook, hardcover illustrated edition, in her luggage... And while I'm at it, I'll talk to Junior Brother Zhang about preparing more long-lasting spiritual food and snacks for her to take along.)

Chu Kuangren's thoughts churned, but none of it showed on his face. He simply stroked his beard and gave Dumbledore an "everything is under control" smile. "Come, old friend. Let's talk over a meal. I guarantee you'll experience the unique charm of Eastern cuisine."

Chu Yao, meanwhile, had already strode off impatiently, heading straight for the cafeteria. Her retreating figure practically proclaimed, "If you're not eager to eat, there's something wrong with your thinking."

Today was no ordinary day in the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's kitchen!

The air was filled with the smell of... wealth!

All because they had to entertain a distinguished guest from the distant West, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, normally so poor that it had to warm every spirit stone in its hands before spending it, had finally!

For the first time ever!

Received a generously sized "foreign affairs entertainment" grant, specially approved by the Ministry of Education!

Martial Uncle Zhang, who oversaw the kitchen—and the greatest source of happiness for the entire sect—clutched the lightweight grant slip that had set his heart racing. His large hands, slightly roughened by years of handling pots and pans, trembled with excitement.

His ever-smiling, plump face was flushed red, and his eyes were moist. He was nearly moved to tears.

(Martial Uncle Zhang's inner monologue: Heavens! Earth! It's a grant! A real, live grant! I won't have to watch little Chu Yao drool over the Illustrated Guide to Spirit Beasts anymore! Heaven knows, the last time she looked at the picture of the Fire-Breathing Chicken, her eyes glowed green like a starving wolf's. It scared me so much I hurried to give her two extra fried eggs!)

Whenever he thought of Chu Yao, Martial Uncle Zhang felt as if a bottle of five flavors had overturned in his heart.

The sect's funds were usually tight. Even though he was a food cultivator with the ability to turn the mundane into the miraculous, he couldn't cook without rice!

He didn't dare even think about making those "spiritual dishes" that sounded so grand.

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