"Lin Dong, are you hesitating? Lei Li and Xie Yingying already rushed ahead, and they've brought backup. If the Lei and Xie families get the Fire Python Tiger cubs first, you know what that means for us. It certainly won't benefit my family," someone said anxiously.
Lin Dong's lips twitched. "Isn't it just a Fire Python Tiger, one that's only comparable to someone in the Tianyuan Realm?"
He scoffed quietly. The Tianyuan Realm? That was far beneath the Nirvana Realm. Between them were still the Three Creation Realms. And now, with the Bone Chilling Flame under his command, Lin Dong dared to even challenge a Nirvana powerhouse.
"You're really bragging now. But hey, do you want to cooperate with us or not?" urged a member of the Crazy Blade Martial Arts Hall.
Lin Dong shrugged. "Alright, let's go together."
"Good. Let me introduce someone first," said Wu Yun of the Martial Arts Hall, gesturing toward a girl holding a sleek longbow. "This is Mu Lingsha from Mu Family Village. Don't underestimate her—she's already reached the eighth level of Body Tempering, and her archery skills are deadly. With her, we can ease up a little."
"As far as I know, the Fire Python Tiger had three cubs. So, how do we divide them between the four of us?" he asked.
Lin Dong gave a dry chuckle. "Isn't it a bit early to talk about spoils? That tiger isn't some low-level beast. Injured or not, and even with cubs, it's not easy to subdue. Let's scout the situation first."
He remembered what Ye Feng had said—high-level monster beasts were walking treasure troves. They couldn't afford to be careless.
Together, Lin Dong and his sister Lin Qingtan followed Wu Yun and Mu Lingsha deeper into the forest. Along the way, they encountered several wandering competitors. Most of them had the nerve to make a move—until Mu Lingsha's arrow glinted in their direction. That was enough deterrent.
"Here," Wu Yun said in a low voice. "The Fire Python Tiger is just ahead. Wait… do you smell that?"
A waft of savory aroma lingered in the air. Lin Dong blinked, stunned. "That's… barbecue?"
The scent of roasted meat was thick and intoxicating. Lin Dong instinctively licked his lips.
He crept forward, parting the tall grass gently. What met his eyes wasn't a battle scene—but a small clearing with more than a dozen people armed with wooden spears. At the center of it all sat a young man in black gauze robes, calmly roasting a beast over a blazing fire.
The leaders of the armed group? Lei Li and Xie Yingying.
"Who are you!?"
"Hand over the Fire Python Tiger cubs you stole!"
"Hey! We're talking to you! Are you deaf?!"
They bombarded the man with threats and questions, but the young man didn't even glance at them. Calmly, he flipped the meat, sprinkling some kind of seasoning on it. His entire focus was on the roasting process, not the people surrounding him.
Lin Dong's and Lin Qingtan's eyes widened.
"Master!?"
"Master Ye!?"
Mu Lingsha was confused. "You know him?"
"He's… my master," Lin Dong said reverently.
"Your master? But he looks just as young as you!"
"That's the terrifying part," Lin Dong muttered. "Back in Qingyang Town, no one could ever beat him."
At that moment, Ye Feng finally looked up, his gaze steady. "Disciple."
"Yes, Master?"
"They've come this far. Let's kill these flies."
"Yes, Master."
Lin Dong stepped forward with solemn eyes. "I'm barbecuing here. Take it elsewhere," Ye Feng said flatly.
Lin Dong nodded and turned to Lei Li and Xie Yingying. "If you want what you came for, follow me."
He turned and walked straight into the forest.
The two glanced at each other, unsure but unwilling to appear cowardly. They followed. Mu Lingsha and Wu Yun exchanged concerned looks and followed after them.
---
Firelight flickered in the jungle as Lin Dong stepped out again, alone.
"Hungry?" Ye Feng asked.
"Yeah."
"Then try your master's cooking."
Ye Feng used a stick to prod the fire. From beneath the embers, he pulled out a mound of dirt. With a tap, the dirt fell away, revealing lotus leaves wrapped tightly around something.
Inside was a monster beast, slow-roasted to golden perfection.
"Try it."
Lin Dong and Lin Qingtan tore off some meat. The moment the flavor hit their tongues, their eyes widened. The meat was unbelievably tender, infused with rich vitality. Even the usually reserved Lin Qingtan grabbed a huge chunk and ate messily.
A few moments later, Wu Yun and Mu Lingsha stumbled into the clearing. What they had just witnessed had left them speechless.
Earlier in the forest, Lin Dong had unleashed an ethereal white flame from his bare hands. In one sweeping motion, everyone in Lei Li's and Xie Yingying's group had been incinerated—turned into ashes within seconds. The Bone Chilling Flame had left nothing behind.
"What… what kind of flame was that?" Mu Lingsha stammered.
"That's Bone Chilling Flame," Lin Dong replied calmly. "It's one of the legendary Heavenly Flames."
"Heavenly Flame…?"
"It was a gift from my master. A ceremony of apprenticeship, if you will."
Mu Lingsha stared at Ye Feng, stunned. To bestow such a treasure as a mere initiation gift… who was this man?
Ye Feng looked them over with disinterest. "Are these your friends?"
"Yes, Master. Wu Yun from Crazy Blade Martial Hall, and Mu Lingsha from Mu Family Village."
"I see. Since they're your friends… are you hungry?"
Wu Yun and Mu Lingsha hesitated. They were still in shock—and wary. Accepting food from strangers was dangerous, especially for cultivators.
"My master rarely cooks. When he does, it's a blessing. Don't waste the chance," Lin Dong said sincerely.
"…Well, alright." Wu Yun moved closer and tore off a strip of meat.
The moment he chewed, he gasped. "Vitality! This meat has Yuan Qi!"
Mu Lingsha immediately took a piece herself. "It really does…! Just from eating this?!"
Ye Feng chuckled faintly. "Of course. I infused the seasoning with medicinal herbs. This method is called 'medicinal cuisine.' It not only replenishes vitality but can cure minor ailments. Think of it as food that acts like an elixir."
"Food that heals…" Mu Lingsha whispered in disbelief.
"Get used to being surprised around Master," Lin Dong said, grinning. Then he turned back to Ye Feng. "By the way, Master, have you seen the Fire Python Tiger cub?"
Ye Feng looked puzzled, then gave a slow, deliberate nod toward the roasted beast.
"You mean… the thing we just ate?"
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