Lin Chen had not gone to the Scripture Depository. Instead, he returned to the mountain to prepare lunch.
Roasting meat required the right heat, and it took time, so now was the perfect moment to start.
When he reached the mountaintop, he dismantled the earthen kiln and took out all the charcoal inside.
Then he started a fire.
Once the charcoal had turned red-hot, he put it into the Sealed Pot.
He threaded the various meats he had marinated the night before onto iron skewers, then closed the lid.
The temperature inside rose rapidly.
A moment later—
Sizzle—
The crackling sound of fat dripping into the flames came from inside the Sealed Pot.
A moment later, the rich aroma of meat drifted out.
Lin Chen took a deep breath. The long-missed smell soothed him.
Half an hour later, the aroma of roasted meat filled the entire courtyard.
Lin Chen brought out a bundle of bamboo skewers and began threading them with meat and vegetables.
Once they were ready and the time seemed right, he brought out the grill and arranged the lit charcoal inside.
He also neatly set out the various Secret Seasonings.
Time to grill!
The roasted meat in the Sealed Pot had a deep, lingering fragrance that seeped into the heart and soul.
The aroma of these skewers, though, was like a bomb going off right in his lungs.
Especially when he sprinkled on the seasoning. At the instant it sizzled, the aroma pierced straight into the soul.
The ingredients in this world were completely untainted, and they had been nourished by spiritual energy.
That only made the flavor even more intoxicating.
Even Lin Chen could barely restrain himself. His mouth was watering.
A moment later, three figures crowded into the courtyard.
As soon as they stepped inside, they began sniffing eagerly.
"That smells amazing! I've never smelled anything this delicious in my life."
Qi Ruming hurried over and reached for the lid of the Sealed Pot.
"Third Senior Brother, it's not ready yet."
Qi Ruming's hand stopped in midair. He immediately came over to Lin Chen instead. "What's this?"
"These are grilled skewers. They'll be ready soon. Go sit over there and wait."
Lin Chen explained as he turned the skewers and sprinkled on the seasoning.
The aroma burst forth at its fullest.
The three powerful senior disciples were completely won over. They all obediently sat at the table, gazing at Lin Chen with eager eyes.
A few minutes later, Lin Chen put the skewers on a tray. Before he could bring them over, Third Senior Brother snatched them away.
"I'll try them first!"
Just then, a gleaming sword slid from its sheath, radiating murderous intent. The air around them turned cold.
"Uh... I'm not in a hurry after all. Second Senior Sister, you eat first."
Qi Ruming put the skewer he had nearly brought to his mouth back on the tray and respectfully carried it to the table.
Jian Rushuang sheathed her sword, picked up a skewer, and took a bite.
She chewed lightly, her eyes brightening, then began eating in big mouthfuls.
Ming Bufan also picked up a skewer. He looked at the glossy, charred food, which gave off a rich meaty aroma, with some curiosity.
He brought it close and gave it a sniff before taking a bite.
He gave a thumbs-up and praised it as he chewed. "Incredible!"
Only then did Qi Ruming dare to step forward. He grabbed a skewer in each hand and dug in.
In just a few minutes, they had wiped out every skewer on the tray.
"Lin Chen, hurry and grill some more! They're so delicious. I've never eaten anything this tasty in my life. Today, I'm finally getting my fill."
Qi Ruming licked his bamboo skewer, looking as if he still wanted more.
Even Jian Rushuang, who rarely spoke, praised them. "So delicious!"
Lin Chen grilled five batches in a row, and they devoured every last skewer.
When the charcoal grew too cool, Lin Chen stopped and went over to the Sealed Pot. He lifted the lid.
A rush of heat mixed with the aroma of meat shot into the sky.
It enveloped the entire courtyard.
When the roast chicken, roast goose, lamb ribs, and leg of lamb were brought out, the others were stunned all over again.
The rich fragrance, the glossy reddish-brown color, the crispy exterior and tender interior—perfection!
"Quit staring and dig in!"
Lin Chen smiled, then sat down too.
The four of them ate in silence, wolfing everything down.
"Enjoying something delicious without even calling your master?"
The four of them were eating happily when Zhao Qingshan suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
"Greetings, Master!"
"Greetings, Sect Leader!"
The four hurriedly stood to pay their respects, each still clutching a piece of meat and unwilling to let go.
"Is it really that delicious?" Zhao Qingshan sniffed and hurried to the table. He grabbed a big goose leg and took a bite.
As a result... all four of them were made to stand at attention.
Zhao Qingshan sat alone at the table and enjoyed the feast.
There was nothing Lin Chen could do, so he lit another batch of charcoal and started grilling skewers.
The meal lasted a full hour before it finally ended.
Everyone was completely satisfied.
As they sat around the table drinking tea, Lin Chen took out the wooden box.
He brought the storybooks inside and placed them in front of Zhao Qingshan.
"Here are the storybooks I promised you, Sect Leader."
Zhao Qingshan pulled the wooden box close to himself without giving anyone else time to look, then put it away.
Afterward, he took out one book and glanced at the title.
Nine Mysteries Leaving Fire Against the Heavens? What an imposing title. I wonder how it's written.
Like an old hand at reading fiction, he slowly pored over every word and line.
At first, he did not find it very interesting.
But as he read on, he was drawn in and immersed in the world of the story.
"This woman is truly despicable."
"So it was the old man in the ring pulling the strings."
"Haha, the kid's finally standing up for himself. Impressive!"
He sat there muttering to himself. After half an hour, he had finished four volumes and finally closed the book.
He glanced at the sky and instructed, "Bufan, give Lin Chen an extra thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones."
"Yes," Ming Bufan replied calmly.
Zhao Qingshan looked at Lin Chen again, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Well done. I've signed you up for the New Disciple Competition three months from now. Spend this time cultivating. Don't bring shame to our Sect Leader Peak."
"Lin Chen won't disappoint you, Sect Leader!" Lin Chen replied quickly.
"You silly boy, why are you still calling him Sect Leader? Call him Master," Ming Bufan reminded him.
Zhao Qingshan waved a hand. "For now, you're no more than my nominal disciple. There's no rush to hold the Apprenticeship Ceremony until you meet my standards."
With that, he rose to his feet. "Bufan, when you have time, tell him about the New Disciple Competition. And one more thing..."
As he spoke, he took out a Jade Slip and looked at Lin Chen. "This is the Soul Forging Art. I'm passing it on to you so you can cultivate it.
"Your spiritual root is your weakness, so your cultivation won't reach a high level. Focus on your body and soul instead. Perhaps you'll make a breakthrough that way."
"Thank you, Master!" Lin Chen took the Jade Slip with both hands, feeling a little moved.
"All right. You brothers should spend some time together. I have things to do, so I'll be leaving." As Zhao Qingshan finished speaking, he vanished on the spot.
"Little Junior Brother, not bad! This is one of Master's most prized cultivation arts. He treasures it dearly." Qi Ruming walked over and punched Lin Chen in the chest, his eyes full of envy.
Ming Bufan said enviously, "Back when I asked Master for this art, I begged him for three days and three nights before he finally gave it to me. You got it after one meal. It's enough to make a man furious."
He also walked over to Lin Chen and took out a Storage Ring, placing it in his hand. "Cultivate well. This art might solve your problem."
"You... take good care of that little rabbit. It'll bite if it gets hungry." Before the three of them left, Jian Rushuang tossed out the comment without a hint of context.
Only then did Lin Chen remember that she had indeed given him a Rabbit Doll earlier.
Could it have been alive?
Before you continue