A soft chime resonated through the air as Fairy Lin Wei used a communication technique, signaling the arrival of Fairy Lin Mei, a trusted disciple of the Righteous Azure Sect. Fairy Lin Mei addressed the Empress, “Should I use Soul Search on them, Empress?”
The Empress shook her head gently. “No, it’s not necessary. They come from another world, and such actions could raise suspicions. Let us be welcoming and kind to them. They might suspects us in the near future if they grow stronger.”
With a warm and graceful demeanor, the Empress then turned to the Heroic Junior Newbie Cultivators.
*“Welcome to our world. This palace is now your home. Our Empire is known as Xianyu. My father, Emperor Xue Qian, is the most formidable cultivator in this realm. He has the power to compel even the strongest sects to surrender, except for the demonic ones. As his daughter, I must always show him the utmost respect. The past few years have been difficult; my mother passed away five years ago, and my father was deeply affected. However, he has slowly begun to heal and find solace.”*
The school beauty Xiao Qing and her friends, Yun Mei, Li Na, and Shen Ling, spoke in unison,*“Our deepest condolences, Great Empress. We are truly sorry for your loss.”*
The Empress nodded appreciatively. *“Thank you for your kind words. To celebrate your arrival, by the way young hero Junior cultivator ladies what's your name"*
The School Beauty Xiao Qinq replied,*“I'm Xiao Qing, this Yun Mei, and Li Na, and Shen Ling.”*
The Empress then speak again *"we have arranged a special breakfast in your honor. You can choose any food from our world.”*
At that moment, Inzak, standing beside him his only friend Zhao Ling, spoke up. *“I request that the food be halal, with meat slaughtered in a halal way by giving the animal water and then reciting bimsallah or allahu akbar and then cut the animal throat painlessly, and no pork and alcohol*
The room fell into shocked silence. Fairy Lin Wei discreetly used a communication technique, signaling the Empress, “Should I kill or heavily injure this guy for disrespecting you emprress with his so called halal standards?”
The Empress, maintaining her serene smile, replied, “No, let it be. He is just a newcomer.”
Turning to Inzak, she asked, *“Very well, Newbie Hero Junior Cultivator. What is your name?”*
Inzak replied, *“This Junior Cultivator’s name is Inzak.”*
Zhao Ling whispered in a low voice to Inzak, *“Bro, why did you speak so loudly to the Empress? You’re embarrassing me—no, not just on the Earth soictey, but even in another world!”*
Inzak whispered back, *“I’d rather kiss a frog than eat haram food. You should join me in Islam, Zhao Ling.”*
Zhao Ling smirked and whispered, *“Alright, Maybe in the future"* Zhao Ling thought in his mind " I don't want to quit my secret Wine 😢" Zhao ling then continued his dialogue with Inzak *"but why the frog comment? If you’re serious, I’ll find one and bring it to you after breakfast. Just don’t let me down with this crazy bet!”*
Inzak grinned and whispered, *“Bring it on! Instead I’ll make sure you got in a way like The Princess and the Frog movie. Just imagine the frog turning into a handsome prince for you the Zhao Ling Princess!”*
Zhao Ling chuckled. *“If that happens, I will bring you down with me!”*
Inzak went silent...
Meanwhile, the Empress then signaled to the Palace Keeper, Lady Zhang Mei, who then guided the group to a beautifully set dining area where they could enjoy their meal and ask any questions they might have about their new world, with the halal options prepared for Inzak.
The dining area was a spectacular showcase of culinary mastery, designed to enhance help the body cultivation a little. Platters of tender roasted unicorn beef, draped in the rich and spicy Bastard Hottie Sauce, were complemented by vibrant vegetables like the zesty Sky Lemon, the flavorful Breaker Purple Carrot, and the boldly sweet Destroyer of All Strawberries, along with the luxuriously smooth Happiest Blueberries. Crazy Steamed Bun, soft and pillowy, and Master Fluffy Rice added the perfect touch. while golden dumplings steamed gently in their baskets. Sweet melons and shimmering berries were served alongside fragrant teas and refreshing juices.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The students eagerly indulged in the unfamiliar yet exquisite offerings. While immediately Inzak was crying and eating the Buddha’s Egg and the halal unicorn beef, like a hungry person who didn't eat in his entire life, appreciating the rich flavors and meticulous preparation. With Zhao Ling joining him in deep tears and particularly enjoying the Destroyer of All Strawberries and the Master Fluffy Rice, along with the Crazy Steamed Buns. Immediately The sumptuous spread provided a delightful and great memorable and introduction to the culinary delights of this new world, while Zhao Ling who's in deep tears and Inzak finishing there gold lovely Meals, 15 minutes later as the students saw Inzak and Zhao Ling finishing the food they decide to eat and cry from the overwhelming experience, the meal became a memorable and deeply satisfying chapter in their hero journey, for every student.
After a refined breakfast, then lunch and dinner and the day went on and it become night, and then the students were escorted through the lavish halls of the Imperial Palace. Empress Xue Qian had tasked Palace Keeper Lady Zhang Mei with guiding the newcomers to their quarters, with maids assigned to each student. Their footsteps resonated on the polished marble floors as they passed grand tapestries depicting epic battles and serene landscapes. The scent of incense permeated the air, and the distant toll of temple bells heightened the surreal ambiance.
Upon arrival, the students were met by a cadre of elegantly dressed maids, each responsible for showing them to their rooms. The accommodations were opulent, with silken sheets, plush cushions, and windows that framed tranquil moonlit gardens. Despite the luxury, an undercurrent of apprehension lingered among the students, their minds troubled by unanswered questions.
As the others proceeded to their rooms, Zhao Ling turned to Inzak and said, *"We might cross paths again soon."*
Inzak responded, *"Don’t speak as if we’re in some Murim Manhwa or cultivation novel. We’ll see each other again by tomorrow or perhaps sooner. For now, you’re with me."*
Zhao Ling fell silent and walk away.
Approaching his room, Inzak addressed the maid, *"Excuse me, what’s your name? And why aren’t you wearing a hijab? Also, please ensure you don't share my bed, this great young one don't want to commit zina and lose his great virginity."*
The maid replied, *"My name is Mei Ling. We maids have our own quarters. By the way, what’s a hijab?"*
Inzak explained, *"A hijab is a headscarf worn in my religion. It’s kind customary for women in my religion to wear one."*
Mei Ling responded, *"If it’s part of your religious practice, I’ll comply. However, I’m unsure about converting. Are the other Hero Cultivators’ beliefs similar?"*
Inzak said, *"From what I’ve observed, most of them are atheists. My religion, being from a far away Arab nation, isn’t widely known there, they are all chinese."*
Inzak sketched a simple hijab design on paper and handed it to Mei Ling, requesting her to pass it to Lady Zhang Mei for tailoring.
Mei Ling said, *"Certainly. By the way, what is an Arab?"*
Inzak replied, *"There are many Arab nations. I’m from a small island in the Arabian Peninsula called Bahrain. We’re natives of the deserts."*
*"Interesting,"* Mei Ling responded.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ling, with his own maid, attempted to make a pass: *"Hey, beautiful, care to spend the night with me? This handsome young man has taken a quite liking to you."*
The maid retorted sharply, *"Keep your quite liking to yourself, you old pervert."*
Zhao Ling fell silent, retreating to his room in a mood of dejection, and slept.
The next morning, the grand dining hall was abuzz with hushed conversations as the students gathered for breakfast. The Empress sat at the head of the table, her regal presence commanding silence as she began to speak. The meal, though exquisite, was overshadowed by the gravity of the situation.
*“Today,”* the Empress announced, *“you will each be tested for your cultivation potential. The results of these tests will determine your paths in this world. Some of you may have exceptional talents; others might need to work harder. But rest assured, every one of you has a place in our world.”*
As the testing commenced, one by one, the students stepped forward to have their talents evaluated. The device, a crystal orb that glowed with an ethereal light, was designed to detect the latent power within each individual.
The class President Li Ming was among the first to step forward. The orb glowed a radiant jade, and a collective murmur of approval rippled through the hall. *“Jade rank,”* the Empress declared, *“a rare and exceptional talent.”* Li Ming accepted the result with a dignified nod, his composure unshaken by the impressed whispers that followed.
Next was Zhao Ling, who approached with a calm confidence. The orb glowed gold, and the Empress smiled warmly. *“Gold rank—an outstanding talent,”* she announced, and Zhao Ling returned to his seat, pleased but not surprised by the result.
School beauty Xiao Qing followed, and the orb again glowed jade. The room was filled with murmurs of admiration as the Empress acknowledged the result with a nod. Several others stepped forward, receiving iron and silver ranks, indicative of moderate to high potential, soon other students followed there talents are mostly iron with 5 silver.
Finally, it was Inzak’s turn. A murmur of anticipation swept through the group as he approached the orb. He placed his hand on the device, and the hall fell silent. The orb’s light dimmed, then turned an enigmatic black. A wave of confusion and curiosity swept through the room.
“What does this mean?” Chang Lao whispered, through the commincuation technique
The Empress’s eyes narrowed as she studied the orb. “Black,” she murmured, “an unknown talent… I will need to consult with the Goddess of Cultivation about this. For now, we shall proceed.”
After the talent assessment, the Empress used a communication technique to instruct Lin Mei to guide the students to the countryside. There, only fourteen would be selected based on their performance. Lin Mei announced that they would undergo a cultivation test to prove their abilities, sparking excitement among the students.
Zhao Ling, brimming with enthusiasm, turned to Inzak and said, *“Finally, our cultivation journey begins here, Junior brother!”*
Inzak smirked and replied, *“You’re the junior here, not me. You’re the one who forgets to wash his hands after eating before sleeping.”*
Zhao Ling responded in a low voice, *“Alright, fine. The one with the highest realm should be the senior. I promise I’ll wash my hands next time. Just don’t expose this Great One.”*
Inzak nodded, *“Sure, just make sure you keep your promise.”*