Influence

Deep within the Star Dou Great Forest, beside the Lake of Life.

A large cat with golden fur and three eyes raised its head, looking around in a daze.

Just a moment ago, she had felt a power of destiny, one remarkably similar to her own, suddenly manifest.

Yet, this power of destiny had only appeared for an instant before sinking back into silence without a trace.

"Beast of Auspice, what is wrong?"

Just as the Three-Eyed Golden Lion was peering about, a majestic voice suddenly rang out beside her.

As the words fell, the space beside her twisted.

A man dressed in black robes with black hair stepped out from the distortion.

"Di Tian."

The tone of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion carried a hint of confusion.

"I think I felt the aura of one of my own kind."

"One of your own kind?"

Di Tian was slightly stunned at these words, then revealed a helpless expression.

"Beast of Auspice, from the moment of your birth, you have shouldered the destiny of the entire Star Dou Great Forest. How could there possibly be another of your kind in this world?"

The Three-Eyed Golden Lion blinked her golden eyes and pondered; it seemed that what Di Tian said did indeed make sense.

Yet, for some reason, a vague, indescribable sense of concern lingered deep within her heart.

The next day.

Huo Yuhao set up his grill on a relatively clean street corner, a wooden sign printed with the words "Little Huo Grilled Fish" standing beside him.

He carefully inspected the various seasonings laid out on the small table at his side, and after confirming everything was in order, he picked up a cleaned grass carp from the wooden basin nearby.

With practiced movements, he tore up some perilla leaves, mixed them with other seasonings, stuffed the mixture into the belly of the fish, and secured it with a skewer.

He then brushed his custom-made sauce and spices into the fish's belly, applied a thin, even layer of oil to the skin, and placed the skewer onto the grill.

The charcoal crackled, and as the oil dripped onto the embers, it hissed, sending up wisps of white smoke as the aroma of the grilled fish gradually began to spread.

It had to be said, after exchanging culinary techniques with Master Rong Nianbing in the God Realm, his grilled fish skills had seen a massive leap compared to his previous life.

An enticing aroma is the best advertisement.

As the scent of the grilled fish wafted out, people who were merely passing by began to slow their pace, and soon, some walked over with hesitation.

Before long, a small line had spontaneously formed in front of the grill.

Even the other vendors nearby could not help but glance over frequently, casting curious looks in his direction.

"Little brother, how much for a serving of your grilled fish?" The middle-aged man at the front of the line, dressed in black with an honest face, finally couldn't help but ask.

"Ten copper soul coins per serving." Huo Yuhao didn't even look up; he replied casually while skillfully turning the skewers and applying more sauce with a brush.

"Ten copper soul coins? That expensive?"

The middle-aged man's voice rose involuntarily, his face showing surprise and hesitation.

He frequented this area and knew that a similar grass carp at the vegetable market cost only about one copper soul coin.

To process it and have the price jump tenfold? That was far too expensive.

However, smelling the fragrance of the grilled fish, he swallowed his saliva subconsciously. After struggling for a moment, he gave in to his heart, took the copper soul coins from his pocket, and handed them to Huo Yuhao.

"Fine. Little brother, give me one."

Huo Yuhao flipped the grilling fish and continued to brush on the sauce, asking, "Do you want it spicy?"

"Uh, mild spicy, mild spicy is fine," the middle-aged man replied hurriedly.

When Huo Yuhao handed the grilled fish to the middle-aged man, the eyes of those waiting in line and the onlookers nearby were involuntarily drawn to the fish.

Oil rolled across the skin, which had been grilled to an enticing golden yellow, and a rich aroma continuously burst forth from the slit in the fish's belly, drilling straight into everyone's noses.

The middle-aged man couldn't wait; he took it and, ignoring the heat, took a large bite.

When his teeth met the fish, there was even a slight crunching sound; the skin had been grilled to a perfect crisp without a hint of being burnt.

After just one bite, the middle-aged man's eyes went wide. He didn't even have time to offer praise; in just a few mouthfuls, the substantial grilled fish had vanished into his mouth.

He smacked his lips, still wanting more, and looked at Huo Yuhao with pleading eyes:

"Little brother, can I buy a few more? This grilled fish of yours is simply too delicious."

Huo Yuhao looked up, observed the number of people in line, and silently estimated the quantity of grass carp he had brought.

Comparing the two, he shook his head apologetically at the expectant middle-aged man and said:

"Sorry, there isn't much grilled fish left for today, and there are still many people waiting behind you. If you want more, you'll have to come earlier next time."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man's face showed clear disappointment. He could only sigh helplessly and turn to leave.

Those waiting in line saw this scene and heard the man's assessment; their faces were immediately filled with curiosity and anticipation. They craned their necks to look forward, wondering just how delicious this grilled fish could possibly be.

Every person who tasted it afterward wore an expression of exclamation, declaring they had never eaten anything so delicious.

Just like that, in a mere few days, through the word-of-mouth of diners, the reputation of Little Huo Grilled Fish spread thoroughly throughout this area of the East District of Heaven Dou City.

Every day, before Huo Yuhao even arrived to set up his stall, a long line had already formed, and the stream of people coming to eat grilled fish was endless.

However, Huo Yuhao limited the number of fish he grilled each day.

For one, it was impossible for him to spend all his time grilling fish, and for another, he could not steal all the business from the surrounding vendors.

Upon learning that the grilled fish was limited, the other merchants nearby secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, those who were attracted by the grilled fish but failed to buy any might turn to try the items at their stalls instead, so they could be considered to have benefited from the spillover.

Another few days passed in this manner.

While Huo Yuhao was still busy grilling fish.

Just then, a crisp, melodious voice, tinged with a hint of anxiety, rang out from outside the crowded throng.

"Excuse me, please make way, thank you! Please, let me through."

As the words fell, a figure was seen nimbly squeezing through the gaps in the crowd; it was none other than Jiang Nannan.

She spotted the familiar figure of the youth behind the grill at a glance, her eyes lighting up instantly. She let out a long sigh of relief, and the anxious expression on her face was quickly replaced by joy.

"Yuhao, I've finally found you."

She had been searching for traces of Huo Yuhao for the past few days, but Heaven Dou City was so vast that finding one person without a destination was truly difficult.

It wasn't until yesterday that she accidentally heard passersby excitedly discussing something called "Little Huo Grilled Fish," saying the taste was absolutely superb and unforgettable after a single bite.

Only then did it occur to her that it was very likely Huo Yuhao selling the grilled fish.

Coming over to see now, it was indeed so.

Now, she could finally invite Huo Yuhao over to properly thank him.

"Sister Nannan, why are you here?" Huo Yuhao stopped what he was doing, looked at her with some surprise, and then asked with concern, "Is there still a problem with Auntie's condition?"

"No, no," Jiang Nannan waved her hands hurriedly, a grateful smile appearing on her face. "My mother's illness should be almost completely healed. Thank you so much, Yuhao."

She walked to Huo Yuhao's side, watched him working busily, and offered, "Yuhao, let me help you too."

Huo Yuhao looked at Jiang Nannan's expectant gaze, swallowing the words he had originally intended to say about it being no trouble.

"Then, Sister Nannan, you can help me collect the money for the grilled fish."

"No problem, leave it to me."

Jiang Nannan agreed readily and immediately stood behind the cash box next to the grill, ready to start helping.