The waiters bring the food into the private room; carefully setting the plates onto the table.

Xue Jiang was not shy; he directly grabbed himself a serving spoon and placed several portions of the Eight Treasures Flood Dragon onto his plate.

Wang Tian simply let out a chuckle; he had gotten what he wanted, so he was also somewhat satisfied. Though Wang Tian was currently treating Xue Jiang, he certainly won’t forget the spiritual stones that was owed to him. But today wasn’t the occasion for that; at the moment, they were celebrating the road that had opened up. After their excursion to the Blood Dragon Cult’s inheritance site, they now had a path to the Nascent Soul stage. If they fully took advantage of this opportunity, it’s possible they could follow the road further, advancing on the long road of cultivation, with what was left behind by the Blood Dragon Cult.

Xue Jiang takes a bite, and his face brightens as he delights in the taste. “So this is what a flood dragon tastes like.” He says, savoring the flavor.

Wang Tian lets out a chuckle. “Well, this isn’t actually made with flesh from a flood dragon; the meat is from a demonic alligator. But I’m told the taste is quite similar. Besides, the flesh of a flood dragon would be much too precious to sell at this price. The cost of defeating one successfully, and finding a chef capable cooking it; that may not be a price we can afford.” He explains.

Xue Jiang raises an eyebrow. “Does a chef’s skill level have to be considered for this sort of thing? Some spices and some salt; if it was a flood dragon, I’d still eat it.” He says, not seeing the issue.

Wang Tian shakes his head. “Naïve. How can you not know this? I thought you were an alchemist? The spiritual flame of cultivators is required to successfully cook demonic beasts of a certain level. Not to mention the knowledge to make it taste good; a good chef also has to be on a certain cultivation level to successfully transform the demonic energy of the beast. If their spiritual flame can’t successfully cook the meat of the demonic beast, the demonic energy would be too violent to consume.” He explains.

Xue Jiang’s eyes widen. “Wow. So a spiritual flame can be used in this way as well. I’m already studying a few refining techniques to assist with cultivating my sword; perhaps I should look into chef techniques as well.” He says, considered the possibility. As he processes the idea, he suddenly remembers something. Damn, I forgot! I’m no longer allowed to set up my alchemy stall! He thinks, remembering the problem that had sprung up before he left. Perhaps, these chef techniques could be an additional source of income… If my study of alchemy becomes deeper, the ingredients of demonic beasts may also boost the quality of my products… He thinks, slowly formulating a plan.

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Wang Tian lets out a snort. In truth, while these cultivator professions were somewhat interesting, each branch of study required both a peculiar mindset and long hours of investment. If Xue Jiang wanted to study three professions, Wang Tian wouldn’t stop him, but just the act of reaching for all three spoke of a future of shallow achievements in each path; cultivators could only dedicate their focus to so many things at once. Personally, Wang Tian wasn’t short of money so his main focus was fighting techniques, in addition to exploring the Dao of Invincibility.

While the two continued to enjoy their meal, they suddenly heard a ruckus from outside of their room.

“Hmph! Xue Jian, how dare you be so forward with Young Lady Xin; you’re clearly a toad lusting after swan meat! If I don’t show you your proper place today, then my name isn’t Jin Ming!” A voice exclaims.

Xue Jiang raises an eyebrow. “Xiao Jian?” He says, standing up to see who was causing a commotion.

Wang Tian also raises an eyebrow, standing to see what Xue Jiang would do.

Xue Jian lets out a sigh. In truth, he knew he was being presumptuous with how he treated Xin Ying, but alas, what could he do. Xue Jian normally tries his best to remain disciplined at all times, but with the time they spent with each other, it’s as if another part of him had awakened. It was as if a flower bloomed in his heart, and its fragrance was slowly causing him to lose himself.

Xue Jian also stands, putting his hand on his sword. Though he also somewhat disliked his behavior, since he was a man, he was prepared to take responsibility.

Seeing Xue Jiang preparing himself, Jin Ming lets out a snort. “I wonder what sort of backing you have to think you can stand up to me. Prepare for death, peasant!” He says, drawing his sword. “Radiant Sword Strike!” He says. Jin Ming’s sword began to glow with a golden color before the sword struck like a flash of light.

***CLANG***

The clash of two swords is heard, and when everyone looked, Xue Jiang was standing in front of Xue Jian, blocking the strike.

“Hmph! Who says he doesn’t have any backing?” Xue Jiang says, his eyes daring Jin Ming to strike again.

Xue Jiang may have only recently reached the Core Formation stage, but if it came to it, he was fully confident in his ability to fight.

Jin Ming lets out a snort. “Presumptuous!” He exclaims, preparing himself to strike again.

Wang Tian lets out a sigh. “Jin Ming, put down your sword. These two are with me.” He says, covering for the two Xue brothers.

Jin Ming raises an eyebrow. “Wang Tian?” He says, recognizing him.

Wang Tian was quite well known among the various clans, and had a reputation for being a fierce fighter, so he was able to gather some respect, even considering these clans high standards for people.

Xin Ying stands up, and lets out a snort. “Hmph! Jin Ming, mind your own business! I, Xin Ying, can take care of myself! I don’t need you to be concerned with my matters! Come on, Xue Jian, let’s go.” She says, grabbing Xue Jian’s hand and leading him out of the restaurant.

Xue Jiang watches the couple leave, and he shakes his head, sheathing his sword. “Aya, he was a kid when I last saw him, and now he’s more experienced with women than I am!” He says, finding the matter a bit shameful.

Jin Ming lets out a snort, and sheathes his blade. Since Wang Tian said something, it would be difficult for him to take action where everyone could see. He also begins to walk out of the restaurant, holding onto this matter in his heart.

Qiang Long, the owner of the restaurant and the chef, watches this and lets out a snort. These kids were lucky that Wang Tian had said something; if a fight really broke out, he didn’t mind breaking a few legs today. He gestures to a waiter. “Give those kids a small discount on their meal today.” He says, before walking back to the kitchen.

Xue Jiang offers a small bow. “Thanks, brother Tian. I appreciate the help.” He says, willing to remember this favor.

Wang Tian shakes his head. “Forget it; let’s go back to finish our meal. The food is probably getting cold.” He says, walking back to the private room.

Xue Jiang lets out a smile, following Wang Tian back to the room.