Chapter 749

Chapter 749: Half a Relative

The day before the Dragon-Tiger Banquet, all the Hidden Spirit Sect Disciples were buzzing with excitement.

Those who had been in seclusion emerged early, and even the most disciplined disciples took a break for the day.

The entire sect was alive with a festive vibe.

For months, the disciples of the Hidden Spirit Sect had been eagerly anticipating the Dragon-Tiger Banquet.

According to the head chef preparing the Dragon-Tiger Banquet, a single meal at the banquet could be worth decades of rigorous cultivation.

Not only were there exquisite delicacies made from meat, but also spirit food crafted from the true spirits of the two top Invincible Beast Kings from the demon race!

This was the specialty of the disciples specializing in the gourmet arts.

Using the true spirits of the two Invincible Beast Kings, combined with five elemental origins and various rare spiritual energies, they created spirit food with a texture like ice cream, topped with celestial energy.

This was not just a treat for the taste buds but also a supreme boost for one’s spiritual energy.

At this time, the sect’s most notorious foodies gathered outside the kitchen where the Dragon-Tiger Banquet was being prepared.

They were already content just inhaling the tantalizing aroma wafting out.

“Eryuan, aren’t you close with the disciples from the gourmet division? Why don’t you get us in?” a slightly chubby disciple asked.

“The spirit food has to be prepared under absolutely pure spiritual pressure—no outside interference allowed,” Eryuan replied with a shrug.

Though they had been camped outside the kitchen for hours without tasting the spirit food, they had at least sampled a bit of the regular dishes made from dragon and tiger meat.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open.

A Gourmet Disciple stepped out, holding a cup of jelly-like substance.

“Brother, are you letting me taste-test?” Eryuan asked eagerly.

The others around her stayed quiet, each pulling out a small plate and their chopsticks.

“It’s almost done, but the flavor needs a little tweaking. So, I’m letting you try it to see if it’s just right,” the Gourmet Disciple said, using a small spoon to distribute a bit of the jelly spirit food to each of them.

“Don’t go blabbing about this outside. I’m giving you a little treat since you’ve been waiting here so long,” he added in a hushed tone.

The foodies outside nodded eagerly, clutching their plates.

“Take three bites of this spirit food, and then describe the taste to me.”

Everyone nodded and began to sample the small portion of jelly spirit food on their plates.

With the first bite, the foodies’ faces lit up with pure delight.

With the second bite, they fell silent, but a sense of clarity seemed to radiate from them.

With the third bite, tears welled up in their eyes.

The Gourmet Disciple couldn’t help but smile, thoroughly pleased with their reactions.

"On the first bite, it felt like I was eating a huge chicken leg during my hungriest moment, and my brother wasn’t there to steal it from me," Eryuan said.

"The second bite was like drinking a cup of ice water on the hottest day."

"With the third bite, I felt as if I glimpsed the essence of the wide road."

The Gourmet Disciple was pleased with Eryuan’s descriptions.

After listening to the other food enthusiasts, he pulled out a little notebook and started jotting down some notes.

"Brother, this spirit food is already perfect. Why do you need to adjust it?" Eryuan asked, puzzled.

"I think the first bite needs a bit more refinement; just satisfying the taste buds isn’t enough," the Gourmet Disciple explained as he headed back to the kitchen.

"Once my cultivation reaches a higher level, I’ll catch an Invincible Beast King every day and have my brother prepare spirit food for me," Eryuan said dreamily, expecting others to agree, but instead found the other foodies meditating to digest their meal.

Seeing this, Eryuan felt a surge in his true spirit, as if it was about to break through, so he quickly sat down to cultivate.

Lin Sen Fairy City was packed with cultivators eager to join the Dragon-Tiger Banquet, most of whom were Great Ascension Masters.

The news of the banquet had somehow spread throughout the cultivation world.

It was revealed that the Hidden Spirit Sect was using Purple Jade Flood Dragon and Golden Devourer Tiger as the main ingredients for the banquet dishes.

The entire cultivation world was in shock!

Further news emerged that these two top-tier Invincible Beast Kings from the demon race had been subdued by the Hidden Spirit Sect’s Grand Elder and brought back intact for the feast.

Xu Fan, who had previously kept a low profile, suddenly became renowned in the cultivation world.

All cultivators saw Xu Fan as the savior of the cultivation world!

Upon hearing this, Xu Fan was unfazed. He had been low-key before because his strength wasn’t sufficient, and staying under the radar had helped him avoid many troubles.

But now, it didn’t matter; he had already declared himself the strongest in the cultivation world, so a little fame was nothing.

In the most luxurious inn in Lin Sen Fairy City, the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land eagerly awaited the return of the elder.

"Did you manage to get any invitation cards?"

"Half of the disciples from our General’s Tomb lineage were taken by the Hidden Spirit Sect."

"By sentiment and logic, our sects are almost like in-laws," the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land remarked.

"I contacted some former disciples who married into the Hidden Spirit Sect, and they’re currently applying."

"Whether it’s successful still depends on the legendary Grand Elder’s approval," said the elder from the General’s Tomb lineage.

"Zhuang Ling, since you’re here, make sure to catch up with your sisters and strengthen your sect bonds."

"Even if we don’t attend, this Dragon-Tiger Banquet will still be worthwhile," the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land added.

Just then, a disciple reported that a Hidden Spirit Sect Disciple was at the gate.

"Quick, let him in!" the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land said promptly.

The door opened, and in walked a robust man with a broad back and muscles like steel.

As he looked up, he saw Zhuang Ling beside the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land.

Zhuang Ling also recognized him.

"Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sect, Wanshi," Zhuang Ling said, looking at Xiong Li.

"Our sect’s disciples use aliases when traveling," Xiong Li said, noticing Zhuang Ling’s tension, as this female body refinement cultivator had once pursued him relentlessly.

"Now you can tell me your real name," Zhuang Ling said through clenched teeth.

"Hidden Spirit Sect Senior Brother, Xiong Li," Xiong Li stated.

"I knew it!"

"Greetings, Holy Lord. Here are the invitation cards for our sect’s Dragon-Tiger Banquet. I apologize for our oversight," Xiong Li said courteously.

The Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land smiled upon seeing the three invitation cards in Xiong Li’s hand and quickly assured him it was no problem.

"Three invitation cards," Zhuang Ling said with disappointment, knowing the Holy Lord had brought two elders, leaving little chance for her.

Looking at Zhuang Ling, Xiong Li thought of Grape and asked, "Can my authority allow me to request one more invitation card?"

"Yes, but only one," Grape’s voice echoed in Xiong Li’s mind.

"That’s enough."

A small teleportation formation appeared before Xiong Li, and with a flash of spiritual light, an invitation card appeared in his hand.

"This is for you."