The Crushing Power of Modern Culinary Arts

Lin Chen didn't head to the Scripture Pavilion. Instead, he returned to the mountain to prepare lunch.

Roasted meat needed the right heat and time, so starting now was just right.

Back at the peak, he dismantled the earthen kiln and took out all the charcoal.

He lit the fire.

Once the charcoal was blazing red, he placed it into the Sealed Pot.

Using iron skewers, he hung up the various meats marinated the night before and closed the lid.

The temperature inside shot up rapidly.

A moment later.

Sizzle—

A crackling sound of fat dripping onto the flames came from inside the Sealed Pot.

Immediately after, a rich aroma of roasted meat wafted out.

Lin Chen took a deep breath. The long-missed scent soothed his mood.

Half an hour later, the entire courtyard was filled with the fragrance of roasted meat.

Lin Chen took out a bundle of bamboo skewers and began threading meat and vegetables.

Once that was done, seeing that the timing was about right, he brought out the Grill and arranged the lit charcoal inside.

Various Secret Seasonings were also set out neatly.

Time to roast!

If the aroma from the Sealed Pot was deep and lingering, seeping into the heart, then the skewers' scent was like a bomb, exploding directly in the lungs and guts.

Especially the moment the seasoning was sprinkled on with a sizzle—that flavor pierced straight into the soul.

The ingredients in this world had no pollution and were nourished by spiritual energy.

That taste was even more addictive.

Even Lin Chen himself could barely hold back, drooling.

A moment later, three figures squeezed through the courtyard gate.

As they stepped into the yard, they took a deep, greedy inhale.

"So fragrant! I've never smelled anything this good in my entire life."

Qi Ruming strode over quickly, reaching out to lift the lid of the Sealed Pot.

"Third Senior Brother, it's not ready yet."

Qi Ruming's hand froze mid-air, then he immediately moved to Lin Chen's side. "And what's this?"

"These are called skewers. They'll be done soon. Sit over there and wait."

Lin Chen explained as he flipped the skewers and sprinkled on the seasoning.

The aroma burst to its peak.

The three powerful senior disciples were completely conquered. They obediently sat at the table, staring eagerly at Lin Chen.

A few minutes later, Lin Chen loaded the skewers onto a tray. Before he could bring it over, Third Senior Brother snatched it away.

"Let me try first!"

At that moment, a gleaming sword slid from its sheath, killing intent spilling out, chilling the surrounding air.

"Uh... I'm not in a hurry. Second Senior Sister, you all go ahead."

Qi Ruming placed the skewer he'd been about to bite back onto the tray and respectfully set it on the table.

Jian Rushuang sheathed her longsword, picked up a skewer, and took a bite.

She chewed slightly, her eyes lighting up, then began devouring it ravenously.

Ming Bufan also took a skewer, eyeing the oily, slightly charred food that gave off such a rich meaty aroma with curiosity.

He gave it a light sniff, then took a bite.

He immediately stuck out his thumb, chewing as he praised, "Incredible!"

Only then did Qi Ruming dare to step forward, grabbing one skewer in each hand and wolfing them down.

In just a few minutes, the tray of skewers was completely cleaned out.

"Lin Chen, hurry up and roast more. This is too delicious. I've lived this long and never eaten anything this good. Today I'm truly feasting."

Qi Ruming licked the bamboo skewer, looking like he still wanted more.

Even the usually quiet Jian Rushuang spoke up to praise: "Really tasty!"

Lin Chen roasted five full batches, and they devoured every last one.

Seeing that the charcoal wasn't hot enough anymore, Lin Chen stopped, walked over to the Sealed Pot, and opened the lid.

A wave of hot air, mixed with the aroma of meat, surged upward.

It instantly enveloped the entire courtyard.

When the roast chicken, roast goose, lamb chops, and lamb legs were all brought to the table, the others were stunned once again.

Rich fragrance, glossy red-gold color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—absolute perfection!

"Stop staring, dig in!"

Lin Chen said with a smile, then sat down himself.

The four of them said nothing, burying their heads and devouring the food.

"What's this, eating something good without calling your master?"

Just as they were enjoying the meal, Zhao Qingshan suddenly appeared in the courtyard.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Sect Leader!"

The four quickly stood up to bow, still clutching meat in their hands, unwilling to let go.

"Is it really that good?" Zhao Qingshan sniffed the air, strode quickly to the table, grabbed a large goose leg, and bit into it.

As a result... all four were made to stand as punishment.

Zhao Qingshan sat alone at the table, enjoying the feast.

Lin Chen had no choice but to relight the charcoal and start grilling skewers.

This meal lasted over an hour before finally ending.

Everyone was completely satisfied.

They sat around the table drinking tea, and Lin Chen brought out the wooden box.

He placed the storybooks inside in front of Zhao Qingshan.

"Sect Leader, these are the storybooks I promised you."

Zhao Qingshan pulled the wooden box close to him, not even giving the others a chance to look, and stowed it away directly.

Then, he took out one volume and glanced at the title.

"Nine Mysteries Leaving Fire Against the Heavens? Quite a domineering name. I wonder how the writing is?"

Like an old bookworm, he began to read slowly, word by word, scene by scene.

At first, he found it uninteresting.

But as he read on, he was drawn in, immersed in the world of the story.

"This woman is truly detestable."

"So it was the old man in the ring causing trouble."

"Haha, the kid's standing up now—impressive!"

He sat there muttering to himself for a full half hour, 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 unhurriedly.

Zhao Qingshan then looked at Lin Chen, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Well done. I've already signed you up for the New Disciple Competition three months from now. Train hard during this time—don't disgrace the name of Sect Leader Peak."

"Lin Chen will not let the Sect Leader down!" Lin Chen quickly replied.

"Foolish boy, still calling him Sect Leader? Call him Master," Ming Bufan reminded him.

But Zhao Qingshan waved his hand. "For now, you're at most my nominal disciple. Once you meet my requirements, we'll hold the formal apprenticeship ceremony."

With that, he stood up. "Bufan, take some time to tell him about the New Disciple Competition. Also..."

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 for cultivation.

Your spiritual root is a weakness; your cultivation won't reach great heights. So work on your body and soul instead—there may be a breakthrough."

"Thank you, Master!" Lin Chen accepted the Jade Slip with both hands, feeling a stir in his heart.

"Alright, you brothers should get closer. I have matters to attend to, so I'll be off." As Zhao Qingshan's voice faded, he had already vanished from the spot.

"Little junior brother, not bad at all. This is Master's most treasured technique—he guards it jealously," Qi Ruming said, stepping forward and punching Lin Chen lightly on the chest, his eyes full of envy.

Ming Bufan also spoke sourly, "Back then, I begged the Master for three days and three nights just to get this technique. You got it with one meal—infuriating!"

He walked over to Lin Chen, took out a storage ring, and placed it in his hand. "Train hard. This technique might solve your problems."

"You... make sure to feed that little rabbit well. It bites when it's hungry." Before leaving, Jian Rushuang blurted out a seemingly random remark.

Only then did Lin Chen remember that she had indeed given him a rabbit plush toy earlier.

Was it actually alive?