Heaven and mortals stirred! Cypress, this time, even if you don't die, you'll be skinned alive...

"A ritual?"

Those two light words fell like a pebble into a still lake, instantly leaving everyone in Chang Residence's front courtyard looking at one another.

For a moment, they looked at each other, utterly at a loss.

"Could it be..."

Old Master Chang's brows suddenly knit together. He asked tentatively, "Something like the ritual you performed in Jiangdu before, young friend?"

Lu Chen feigned confusion. "Jiangdu? Does Old Master Chang mean... that time with the Kitchen God?"

"Precisely." Old Master Chang stroked his beard with a smile and said frankly, "To be honest, young friend, I have paid considerable attention to you and even sent people to make inquiries.

I heard that you once conducted a special rite in Jiangdu, one that actually summoned the Kitchen God's manifestation—was that what they call a 'ritual'?"

Lu Chen put on a wary expression. "I didn't expect Old Master Chang to be watching this junior so closely."

Old Master Chang waved his hand. "Young friend, don't misunderstand. Outstanding young talents cannot hide their brilliance; naturally, they draw attention."

Lu Chen nodded and sighed lightly. "All right. Old Master Chang guessed correctly. It was that sort of ritual."

"Holy shit—" Wang Yiming's eyes went wide. "No way, brother! You've summoned not only the Five Plague Envoys, but even the Kitchen God? Your methods are way too wild!"

The corner of Lu Chen's mouth twitched. Ignoring Wang Yiming's noisy outburst, he turned his gaze back to Old Master Chang and got straight to the point.

"Old Master Chang, to be honest, there is indeed something strange outside your residence. When I passed by your gates two days ago, I already sensed that something was wrong."

"Originally, I had no intention of meddling in this sort of idle matter. I only came to Haicheng to