In one part of the Fengxian City, a crowd had gathered in front of a building. Firecrackers went off, adding to the lively atmosphere as people assembled in front of a newly opened restaurant called Supreme Fried Chicken (SFC) Restaurant, owned by the Liu family. Pamphlets were handed out and plastered on public announcement boards. Curiosity buzzed among the crowd since the restaurant only served fried chicken and the prices were rather steep.

The opening was lively, though many people were hesitant to try the new restaurant due to its limited menu and high prices. However, several people did enter. Most of these were close to the Liu family or had connections to them, coming to show their support. Some were there to curry favor with the Liu family, prepared to praise the food regardless of its quality, hoping to get on their good side. A few others joined in, simply following the crowd.

The restaurant had announced a promotional period with half-price discounts, but even with the discount, many still found it too expensive. As a result, only a few people entered because of the promotion.

Inside, the restaurant was luxurious yet simple, furnished with just tables and chairs, with few decorations. Patrons commented on and inspected the interior while waiting for their orders.

Before long, their orders were delivered on trays, each featuring a plate of rice, a plate of fried chicken, and two small bowls of red and slightly redder sauce. Many were skeptical if the dish was truly worth the high price. The server explained how to eat the fried chicken, and then they began to try it.

Crunch.

The sound of crunching filled the room, followed by gasps of amazement and surprise. The crispy outside texture and the soft, juicy meat, with seasoning deeply infused, created a delicious taste and aroma that blew them away. They had never eaten or cooked chicken this way before and were truly impressed. Genuine praise echoed throughout the restaurant as customers delighted in their meals.

It didn't take long for the praise to spread outside the restaurant. Most people were skeptical, thinking the compliments were exaggerated or made up to curry favor with the Liu family. However, some entered to try it themselves and find out the truth. As time went by, more and more people began singing the restaurant's praises. Those who had tried the fried chicken gave positive feedback.

By midday, word about the unique and delicious fried chicken restaurant had spread throughout the city. More people headed to the restaurant to see for themselves. The area outside the restaurant became very lively, with some who couldn't afford to dine there still joining the commotion and watching from outside. The restaurant remained fully packed, with people lining up, curious to try the food, until closing time.

Before closing, a representative of the Liu family announced that they would be opening a new grand restaurant soon, without providing additional details, before shutting the restaurant doors.

The SFC Restaurant became famous, and the following day it was also packed with customers. Because the restaurant was still in its promotional period, many wanted to try it while the prices were discounted. The first week of opening was a great success, with high enthusiasm from patrons, although it slightly decreased starting on the third day. Overall, the first week was very good. The SFC Restaurant also announced that it would be opening another branch in another part of the city.

After a while, similar fried chicken dishes started to appear in the city, mimicking the SFC. Many tried to imitate the recipe, but their efforts fell short and couldn't compare to the original because they could only guess and experiment on their own about the recipe. However, a few small stalls offering cheaper versions of the fried chicken became popular. Although these versions weren't as great as the original, they were far more affordable, satisfying the curiosity of those who couldn't afford the real SFC.

The fried chicken not only attracted customers, but also garnered attention from several factions in the city. They were interested in the business potential and wanted to establish similar restaurants with similar dishes. There was even an incident where a cultivator tried to enter the SFC Restaurant one night but was caught by Liu family cultivators. Apparently, the Liu family had already prepared adequate security for the restaurant.

A week after Supreme Fried Chicken Restaurant opened, the Liu family launched another restaurant. It's bigger and grander than the SFC restaurant. The new restaurant, called Lotus Delight Pavilion, quickly became famous. The dishes on the menu are very expensive, making it the costliest restaurant in the city, with everything priced in Spirit Stones. Only a few could afford to dine there: wealthy mortals or those with significant backgrounds, and even for cultivators, it was still expensive. Very few at the Qi Condensation realm could afford it; most patrons were at the Foundation Establishment realm, with several Golden Core realm cultivators also seen. There was even a Nascent Soul realm cultivator who visited.

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Despite the high prices, the restaurant attracted many customers who were thoroughly satisfied with their meals.

The dishes not only tasted better than those from other restaurants, but their effects were more potent and also provided extra benefits, nourishing meridians and improving Qi flow. One day, a cultivator discovered that consuming a pill after eating at Lotus Delight Pavilion enhanced the pill's effects, a news that spread quickly, boosting the restaurant's fame even further.

Every day, the restaurant was packed with cultivators. The food aided their cultivation and was exceptionally delicious, making it highly popular. Because it was rather expensive, cultivators in the city ventured out to search for Spirit Herbs and hunt Spirit Beasts to earn more Spirit Stones to spend at Lotus Delight Pavilion. They preferred to spend their Spirit Stones at Lotus Delight Pavilion rather than on pills to aid their cultivation, because the food was not only delicious but also more effective. Even broke cultivators worked hard to gather Spirit Stones, eager to try the restaurant and see if the rumors were true.

The cultivators in the city became more active, exploring the wilderness and taking on missions from the mercenary guild. Many factions in the city turned their attention to the Liu family and Lotus Delight Pavilion, tempted to get a slice of the pie.

In the Liu family residence in Fengxian, Liu Mingzhen sat at a table enjoying tea while listening to Liu Wang, who was currently reporting on the restaurants' business. Both Supreme Fried Chicken Restaurant and Lotus Delight Pavilion had become popular sensations in city, generating significant profits. Expansion plans were already in place, with more SFC restaurants set to open in Fengxian city. Additionally, both SFC Restaurant and Lotus Delight Pavilion would soon open in Yanjing City and other surrounding areas.

Liu Wang reported that Lotus Delight Pavilion was generating thousands of Spirit Stones daily in clean profit. However, due to the success of Lotus Delight Pavilion, other Liu family restaurants catering to cultivators were experiencing losses as they couldn't compete. Despite this, the overall situation remained profitable for the Liu family, and they even gained more profit overall. Liu Wang had proposed adjusting prices and implementing other strategies at the other restaurants to attract customers. Liu Mingzhen was satisfied with Liu Wang's plan, recognizing his expertise and skill.

The operating and ingredient costs for Lotus Delight Pavilion were rather similar to their other restaurants. However, by making slight modifications to the dishes to make them more "unique," and more importantly, by adding a little MSG, they were able to increase the prices significantly, thus boosting profits. Regarding payment, Liu Wang also reported that the first payment for Orion was ready and could be delivered immediately.

"Fufufu," Liu Mingzhen set down his teacup. "We have gained so much benefit by meeting Mr. Orion. My Liu family is truly blessed."

With the help of MSG, his father succeeded in breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm, and their Liu family had secured a supply agreement with Orion for MSG for their personal use. Additionally, the joint business venture was a success, generating large profits and increasing the Liu family's influence.

The house was finally completed after about a month of construction. Orion visited Liu Mingzhen to settle the payment for everything—the house, resources, tools, equipment, and all other requests, also to discuss several matters with Liu Mingzhen.

However, Liu Mingzhen refused the payment, saying it was not a big problem and considered it a gift. Orion decided to accept the gesture. Liu Mingzhen also gave a report on the SFC Restaurant and Lotus Delight Pavilion and handed over the payment.

Orion nodded, looking at the bundles of gold coins and Spirit Stones on the table before storing them in the storage ring, while also praising the Liu family's performance in managing the restaurants. Orion had begun to sink its teeth into this world's economy albeit only on a small scale for now.

Liu Mingzhen also voiced some concerns to Orion about potential trouble from various factions eyeing the Liu family and the restaurants. Orion and Liu Mingzhen discussed the issue and formulated a plan, with Orion giving some suggestions to Liu Mingzhen. Orion also requested detailed information about these factions.

"Don't worry, Mr. Orion, we will handle it carefully," Liu Mingzhen assured.

"I believe in you. Just do it according to the plan and if things start getting out of control and your Liu family can't handle it, immediately inform me," Orion replied.

"Understood," Liu Mingzhen said confidently.

The Liu family had a hidden trump card: Liu Xinyi, who had reached the Nascent Soul realm. Having the backing of a nascent soul cultivator would solidify their position in Yanjing and strengthen their stance in Fengxian.

However, for now, they decided to keep a low profile and not announce Liu Xinyi's breakthrough. Additionally, if Orion were to get involved directly, won't other factions be turned to dust in an instant should they dare to cause trouble?

Liu Mingzhen's confidence was bolstered.

After discussing everything, Orion excused itself and prepared to leave. Liu Mingzhen then called his subordinates—four masked men in dark clothing—who bowed before Liu Mingzhen and Orion.

"They will be the ones to help you, Mr. Orion," Liu Mingzhen said.

"Thank you. Then I will take my leave," Orion replied.