Dai Chengfeng had come today not only for training but also to pass on information about Yu Xiaogang's whereabouts in Spirit City to Liu Erlong.
He wanted her to deliver the Soul-Forming Pill to Yu Xiaogang as soon as possible so as not to waste his "hard work."
Previously, because Liu Erlong wasn't around and only Yu Tianheng was present, Dai Chengfeng hadn't mentioned it.
And after Liu Erlong returned, they immediately began their cultivation session, leaving no time or opportunity for Dai Chengfeng to share this news.
Now, wasn't this the perfect moment?
After all, while cooking together, there would naturally be idle chatter.
At that point, he could casually slip in the information about Yu Xiaogang being in Spirit City, making it seem completely natural.
Then, next…
Liu Erlong, with her love-struck mind, would undoubtedly go looking for Yu Xiaogang. He wouldn't have to worry anymore about the Soul-Forming Pill going to waste.
"Perfect plan."
Dai Chengfeng was quite satisfied with this strategy.
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong looked at Dai Chengfeng, her eyes wide with mild surprise as she scrutinized him up and down, filled with suspicion.
"You'll help me?"
"Yes, I'll help you." Dai Chengfeng nodded. "After all, you've helped me so much. It's only right that I lend a hand. Moreover, I'm Tianheng's elder. When he brings his friends, it's only appropriate that I assist."
Elder?
Liu Erlong instinctively recalled Yu Tianheng calling Dai Chengfeng "Uncle," and indeed, what he said seemed reasonable.
But still, she felt some apprehension.
After all, in her mind, who exactly was Dai Chengfeng?
He was the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire—a position of immense prestige. Even when hunting for soul rings, he would always be accompanied by others…
How could someone like him possibly know how to cook?
By helping, he might just end up causing trouble instead.
Thus, Liu Erlong remained silent, her eyes still full of doubt as she continued to size up Dai Chengfeng, silently questioning: You, a pampered fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire, can actually cook?
Are you here to cause trouble?
Do you even know what green onions and garlic look like?
Liu Erlong prepared to refuse.
After all, it was already noon, and there wasn't much time left before Yu Tianheng brought his guests. If these ingredients were ruined and she had to buy more, it would delay everything.
She didn't want her carefully planned hospitality to be ruined by this "young master" Dai Chengfeng.
However, Dai Chengfeng acted as if he hadn't noticed the disdain in Liu Erlong's eyes, his smile unwavering. "Liu Erlong, what's with that look? Do you underestimate me?"
"No, no…"
Liu Erlong quickly waved her hands. "How dare I underestimate you? But… I really don't need your help."
"I can handle it alone."
Although she said this, her eyes still clearly conveyed her disbelief that Dai Chengfeng could cook, outright rejecting his offer.
Dai Chengfeng, seeing her complete lack of faith in his culinary skills, wasn't upset. After all, based on his experiences in this life, it was true that he hadn't done much manual labor.
But he was a transmigrator—his previous life hadn't been that of a spoiled young master. He had been entirely self-reliant.
"Here's an idea…"
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng looked at Liu Erlong, his eyebrows slightly raised. "How about… we make a bet?"
"If I really know how to cook and can help without causing trouble, you'll agree to one small condition of mine. How's that?"
"A bet?"
Liu Erlong's delicate brows furrowed as she looked at Dai Chengfeng's confident demeanor, her mind beginning to waver.
Could he really cook?
But considering the upbringing of a Star Luo prince… it was hard to believe.
Moreover…
What did he mean by a "small condition"?
"This little brat is full of tricks. Who knows what embarrassing condition his 'small request' might be?"
Liu Erlong thought to herself, instinctively feeling a bit resistant.
Dai Chengfeng, however, seemed to see through her concerns and immediately added, "Don't worry—it's a very small condition!"
"If you find it inappropriate, you have the right to refuse. What do you say?"
This sounded… acceptable?
Liu Erlong hesitated.
More importantly, this proposal sparked an idea in her mind.
"Using the bet to get information?"
A thought quietly surfaced: "If Dai Chengfeng loses… couldn't I take this opportunity to ask about the origin of that mysterious power as my condition?"
"Out in the open! It's a golden opportunity sent by heaven!"
"And even if Dai Chengfeng really knows how to cook, at worst, I'd only have to agree to one 'small condition,' and I still have the right to reject it. The risk is manageable."
With this in mind, the scales in Liu Erlong's heart quickly tipped.
After all, she was ninety-nine percent sure that Dai Chengfeng was bluffing. She believed that simply knowing how to wash vegetables didn't make someone a cook! Her chances of winning were enormous!
"Alright! Let's bet!"
Liu Erlong decisively agreed, her eyes flashing with competitive spirit and a deeply hidden desire for victory.
"But! Dai Chengfeng, if you lose, mess things up, or cause trouble, then you'll also have to agree to one condition of mine! Fair enough?"
Dai Chengfeng looked at Liu Erlong's calculating and confident eyes, the curve of his lips deepening slightly.
Everything was under control!
"Deal!"
He extended his hand, holding it mid-air.
Liu Erlong stared at his palm, then reached out and slapped it with a crisp sound, sealing their wager!
The bet was now in effect.
Since the bet had been made, Liu Erlong didn't dawdle.
She gave a slight bow, gesturing toward the kitchen with an inviting motion, her eyes gleaming with anticipation for the show she was about to witness. "Go ahead, Chef Dai."
"I'm curious to see what kind of 'real skills' a Star Luo prince like you can bring to the table."
Dai Chengfeng nodded, smiling as he walked toward the kitchen.
---
Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan stronghold, auxiliary residence, kitchen.
"There you go, all the ingredients are here. Feel free to do as you please."
Liu Erlong crossed her arms, leaning casually against the doorframe. A playful smirk curved her lips, and her eyes were filled with undisguised certainty: "You're definitely going to lose."
Dai Chengfeng's smile remained unchanged, seemingly oblivious to Liu Erlong's mockery as he calmly moved through the kitchen, which was already filled with the aroma of cooking.
His gaze swept over the array of ingredients on the cutting board: fresh vegetables, prepared poultry, lively seafood…
Finally, his eyes settled on a piece of finely textured, deep red meat with a faint fluctuation of soul power—it was a prime cut from the hind leg of some agile-type soul beast.
"That's the one."
Dai Chengfeng spoke lightly, picking up the piece of soul beast meat and weighing it in his hand. "It's perfect for grilling."
"Hmph~"
Liu Erlong instantly let out a derisive chuckle, her last shred of concern evaporating completely.
She glanced at the few sparse jars of seasoning beside the cutting board. "Not only do I not have a grill prepared, but even if I did…"
"All I have here are the most basic seasonings—no spices! What does he plan to use for grilling? Dry, tasteless meat?"
At this moment, Liu Erlong felt utterly confident of her victory.
"Dai Chengfeng is truly just a prince who knows how to cultivate. Without any proper seasonings, he actually plans to grill soul beast meat?"
She could already picture Dai Chengfeng fumbling awkwardly, completely helpless, and ultimately having to admit defeat.
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