Chen Changsheng pointed toward the wooden recliner outside the thatched hut.
Ye Chen chuckled, “Third Junior Brother, that belongs to Master. If I catch you lying on it and not cultivating, I’ll have to beat you up, alright?”
Chen Changsheng was speechless.
Soon after, swept up in the overwhelming enthusiasm of Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen, Chen Changsheng stepped into the thatched hut, “forced to operate.”
Lu Xuan, meanwhile, lay on his recliner outside, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky. His mind was at ease. Recalling the scene before the Grand Dao Bell, he mused internally. That old third disciple of mine, Chen Changsheng, actually managed to perceive the location of the Grand Dao Bell and even soothe it after startling it. He certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Inside the hut, Ji Fuyao took out a jade slip and handed it to Chen Changsheng, stating solemnly, “This contains the menu, meticulously compiled by Master. It includes every dish imaginable.”
Chen Changsheng accepted it, frowning slightly. He felt that his Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother were perhaps a little too enthusiastic about teaching him how to cook.
His Divine Sense swept through the jade slip, revealing a vast, boundless sea of recipes: steaming, sweet and sour, deep-frying, stir-frying—everything was included.
Ji Fuyao’s eyes sparkled. “Changsheng, don’t think that cooking wastes cultivation time. In fact, cooking is a form of cultivation itself. Cultivation is like cooking small delicacies; there is profound knowledge hidden within.”
Chen Changsheng felt vaguely that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite articulate it.
Ji Fuyao continued, “Cooking involves the Path of Spirit Fire, the state of Body in Harmony with the Dao, the Dao of Balance… too many profound concepts to count.”
Chen Changsheng murmured an “Oh,” glancing out the window at the recliner. He yearned to lie down like his Master. He figured he should leave the cooking to his Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother. After all, he was now cultivating the Scripture of Non-Action; the more he embraced Non-Action, the faster his cultivation would progress.
However, Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen were so insistent and guided him with such meticulous care that he couldn't find a single reason to refuse.
Ji Fuyao smiled radiantly. “Third Junior Brother, have you decided what you’re going to make?”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “I have.”
He retrieved several Dragon Flame Divine Fruit he had acquired in the Martial Emperor Secret Realm, along with a few Quasi-Emperor Tier Fire Dragon Egg.
“Senior Sister, Second Senior Brother,” Chen Changsheng announced, “today I will be making Dragon Flame Divine Fruit Scrambled Fire Dragon Eggs.”
Ji Fuyao checked the menu in the jade slip, her eyes shining. “Excellent, Third Junior Brother. You have already learned how to apply what you’ve learned.”
A moment later, with Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen “supervising” and guiding him, Chen Changsheng summoned a wisp of Spirit Fire and struck the Dao Profound Iron Pot.
Instantly, the Dao Profound Iron Pot erupted in a brilliant divine radiance. The engraved Stance suddenly manifested, showing faint visions of ancient palaces, vast mountain ranges, and the silhouettes of powerful figures, all suffused with profound Dao and Essence.
Chen Changsheng was slightly astonished. “A Six-star Emperor Weapon!”
Who would have thought that this seemingly ordinary cooking pot would only reveal its true Dao Essence when used for cooking?
Ye Chen smiled. “Third Junior Brother, this item is called the Dao Profound Iron Pot. When cooking, it can infuse Dao and Essence into the food, which is immensely beneficial to our cultivation.”
Chen Changsheng nodded, still slightly amazed. While a Six-star Emperor Weapon wasn't the highest grade, its unique function was unparalleled!
Next, Chen Changsheng crushed the Fire Dragon Egg and chopped the Dragon Flame Divine Fruit. The fruit was the size of a fist, incredibly crimson, bursting with juice, and exuding an enticing aroma.
Ji Fuyao’s beautiful eyes narrowed. “Quasi-Emperor Tier Spirit Fruit!”
Chen Changsheng replied, “Master gave it to me.”
Ji Fuyao tilted her snow-white neck and nodded.
After preparing the ingredients, Chen Changsheng began to warm the Dao Profound Iron Pot. The oil sizzled and spat.
Chen Changsheng started stir-frying according to Ji Fuyao’s instructions. A moment later, Ye Chen pointed to a corner. “Third Junior Brother, add some Azure Nether Celestial Water.”
Chen Changsheng walked over to the large vat and froze in place.
“Is—is all of this Azure Nether Celestial Water?”
Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen nodded.
A monstrous wave crashed in Chen Changsheng’s heart. Where did Master get so much Azure Nether Celestial Water? When Master had produced a single flask during their Discussing the Dao session in Baiya Prefecture, Chen Changsheng had been utterly astonished. Now, on Azure Mystery Peak, there was an entire vat! This far exceeded the reserves of most Overlord-level Powers! Even the Grand Dao Sect probably didn't possess this much Azure Nether Celestial Water!
Chen Changsheng calmed himself and cautiously scooped a tiny amount of the water.
Ye Chen smiled. “Third Junior Brother, Master said not to be stingy. If we run out of this Azure Nether Celestial Water, he has even better Heaven and Earth Wonders!”
Chen Changsheng’s face twitched. “Understood.”
He scooped a large ladleful.
He continued cooking. With the augmentation of the Dao Profound Iron Pot and the Azure Nether Celestial Water, Chen Changsheng felt a mysterious Dao Essence swirling around him. His heart felt clear, his soul purified, and he experienced an indescribable sense of enlightenment.
He realized that his Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother couldn't fully grasp this profound mystery because their cultivation was still too low. But he could genuinely touch it!
He had initially resisted the idea of cooking. But now, it seemed cooking truly was a form of cultivation for him. He decided to lower his standards: besides cooking, he would do nothing else.
With this thought, Chen Changsheng declared, “Senior Sister, Second Senior Brother, as long as I am on Azure Mystery Peak, I will handle all the cooking.”
Ye Chen laughed. “How can we allow that? We must take turns so Master can enjoy different flavors.”
Chen Changsheng paused. “Fine.”
Just then, Lu Xuan, outside the hut, suddenly remembered he hadn't brought out the All-Reach Profound Powder. He called out, “Fuyao, remember to add some of this when you cook later.”
Ji Fuyao emerged from the hut. With a thought, Lu Xuan placed a large basin of All-Reach Profound Powder into her arms.
Ji Fuyao’s beautiful eyes swirled. “Master, what is this?”
She could feel a refreshing spiritual aura emanating from the basin, along with a faint fragrance. It was clearly no ordinary item.
Lu Xuan smiled. “This is called All-Reach Profound Powder. Add some when cooking; it can enhance flavor and freshness.”
Ji Fuyao immediately recalled the description of “All-Reach Profound Powder” she had read in ancient texts. It was an extremely rare Heaven and Earth Wonder! On par with Azure Nether Celestial Water! It required the essence of thirteen Emperor-tier spirit herbs, tens of thousands of years, and a specific environment imbued with the ultimate principles of Heaven and Earth to produce even a small vial!
If a small vial of All-Reach Profound Powder appeared in the Southern Wilds, it would trigger a desperate scramble among countless Overlord-level Powers!
Yet, her Master had an entire basin of it!
Ji Fuyao’s heart was rocked by a massive internal shockwave. She quickly carried the All-Reach Profound Powder into the hut.
Ye Chen immediately rushed over to examine it. As an alchemist, he instantly recognized the essence of the All-Reach Profound Powder. It was the concentrated essence of Emperor-tier spirit herbs, brimming with the aura of Dao and Essence!
The jade pendant on Ye Chen’s chest flickered. Yao Yan cried out in alarm, “So much All-Reach Profound Powder! After countless years of consumption, my Yao Family only has about one bowl left! Peak Master Lu’s foundation is truly boundless!”
Ye Chen was stunned. The ancient Yao Family only had a bowl, yet in his Master’s eyes, this was merely a “seasoning” for cooking.
Yao Yan was so excited he was nearly weeping. “If the old fogeys of the Yao Family knew there was a vat of Azure Nether Celestial Water and a large basin of All-Reach Profound Powder in this thatched hut, they would probably launch an attack on Azure Mystery Peak right now!”
Ye Chen didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Chen Changsheng turned his head, speechless for a long time. He was once again profoundly shaken. This single basin of All-Reach Profound Powder was enough to drive the entire Southern Wilds into madness! The powder had infinite uses and was beneficial even to Nine-star Great Emperors, playing a massive role in alchemy, healing, and cultivation.
Yao Yan transmitted a message to Ye Chen. “Chen’er, could you perhaps ask your Master for a small pinch for me?”
Ye Chen immediately transmitted the request to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan replied, “A small pinch? How is that enough? Tell Elder Yao to take ten bowls!”
Yao Yan was terrified. “One bowl is enough! One bowl is enough!”
Soon, Ji Fuyao placed the basin of All-Reach Profound Powder in the corner.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Master, are you not worried about theft if we leave it here?”
Lu Xuan smiled. “No one besides us would recognize it. Don’t worry.”
Ji Fuyao smiled brightly. “Junior Brother Changsheng, rest assured. Master’s methods are heaven-defying. Azure Mystery Peak is the safest place in the Southern Wilds.”
Chen Changsheng nodded, scooped a spoonful of All-Reach Profound Powder, and added it to the Dao Profound Iron Pot. Soon, three mysterious streams of power began to circulate, leaving Chen Changsheng deeply alarmed.
He thought to himself, Master is truly selfless. He casually gives his disciples Heaven and Earth Wonders of this caliber for everyday use! There is truly no second Master like him under the heavens! If a pig were to eat the dishes prepared in this hut long-term, it would probably Attain Emperor, too! The Heavenly Principles contained within these supreme treasures were simply too vast.
Outside the hut, Lu Xuan sneezed. He muttered internally, “Which Birdman is discussing my handsomeness?”
Ji Fuyao and the two disciples chuckled. Only another magnate would be qualified to discuss Master behind his back!
At that moment, Lu Xuan said plainly, “Remember, don’t be stingy. I have plenty of this stuff.”
Ji Fuyao and the two disciples nodded.
An incense stick later, Chen Changsheng emerged from the hut, carrying a wooden basin.
“Master, dinner is served.”
Lu Xuan slowly rose from his recliner and walked to the stone table. The four sat down together, the scene warm and cozy.
Lu Xuan looked at the dish, his face twitching slightly. Isn’t this just Tomato Scrambled Eggs?
He took a shallow bite. “Not bad.”
Ji Fuyao’s beautiful eyes shone as she looked at Chen Changsheng. “Third Junior Brother, this is your debut meal in the hut. To receive such praise from Master, you have already succeeded.”
Chen Changsheng smiled. “It is thanks to the excellent guidance of Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother.”
Lu Xuan ate heartily. The three disciples, however, ate slowly, absorbing the mysterious Dao Essence within the food.
Chen Changsheng watched Lu Xuan with astonishment. Every bite he took required him to spend half a day converting the Dao Essence, yet Master ate as if nothing was happening. Clearly, these profound Dao Essences caused not a single ripple within Master’s body! The gap between him and his Master was visible to the naked eye!
Before long, Lu Xuan finished his meal and returned to his recliner. Ji Fuyao and the two disciples continued to eat slowly. Chen Changsheng, maintaining his act, ate even slower than Ye Chen.
Because of the addition of the All-Reach Profound Powder, the Dao Essence and Heavenly Principles contained within the meal were astonishingly vast. Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen ate for several hours. Chen Changsheng also gritted his teeth, and the three of them ate from the midday sun until the stars filled the sky.
Lu Xuan had long since returned to his cave dwelling to rest.
That night, Chen Changsheng tidied the thatched hut. After Ji Fuyao and Ye Chen returned to their own cave dwellings, he sent out a wisp of Divine Sense to observe Azure Mystery Peak.
After a moment, Chen Changsheng frowned slightly. Azure Mystery Peak was located on the edge of the Grand Dao Sect’s spiritual peaks, which was a decent location. Unfortunately, it lacked any security whatsoever. There wasn't a single defensive array set up!
This made it impossible for him to cultivate in peace. His previous cave dwellings in Baiya Prefecture and Dengchuan Prefecture had been heavily fortified with arrays. Only when his Master arrived had he been captured ten times. If any other powerful figure had arrived, the result would have been the opposite.
With this in mind, Chen Changsheng sent a mental transmission to Lu Xuan. “Master, I have an urgent matter to discuss. May I enter your cave dwelling?”
Lu Xuan, half-asleep and groggy, replied, “What is it? Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Chen Changsheng’s voice was grave. “Master, this is extremely urgent. If this matter is not resolved, Azure Mystery Peak might be overturned overnight!”
Lu Xuan paused. His intuition told him that the third disciple was about to cause trouble. Chen Changsheng was too enthusiastic; he had to see him tonight.
Left with no choice, Lu Xuan agreed to let Chen Changsheng enter his cave dwelling.
A moment later, a shadowy figure drifted into Lu Xuan’s cave dwelling, immediately setting up countless seals and Restrictions.
Chen Changsheng carefully examined Lu Xuan’s cave dwelling, slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected his Master’s dwelling to be so simple: one table, a few chairs, a bed, and virtually no decoration.
Lu Xuan rose from the profound ice bed and walked to the wooden table. He smiled. “Changsheng, sit.”
Chen Changsheng sat down, immediately drawn to Lu Xuan’s “masterpieces” on the wooden table. He carefully flipped through them.
“Jiang Taigong Electric Fishing Diagram.”
“Lin Daiyu Pulling Out the Weeping Willow.”
“A line of geese flies south, two roasted ducks walk north.”
“…”
Although Chen Changsheng didn't understand the drawings, he was profoundly shaken. After a moment of silence, Chen Changsheng suddenly asked, “Master, may I take these back to study?”
Lu Xuan was dumbfounded. Ah, this…
Chen Changsheng continued, “Unconstrained and wild, only an Apex Great Emperor like Master could possess such wondrous ideas. If I return to study them, perhaps I can gain some inspiration.”
Lu Xuan’s face twitched. “Fine. Changsheng, what was the urgent matter you wanted to discuss?”
Chen Changsheng immediately explained his plan to set up arrays on Azure Mystery Peak.
Lu Xuan was slightly taken aback. “That’s a small matter. You can handle that yourself.”
Chen Changsheng handed over a jade slip containing the structural blueprints for the arrays.
Lu Xuan scanned it. It was yet another Chain Array with multiple layers!
The first layer was an upgraded Nine Revolutions Heaven Sealing Array, sealing the heavens and locking the earth. Anyone entering Azure Mystery Peak without a token would be instantly sealed.
The second layer was a teleportation array, linked to the third layer, the power source array, forming an integrated Chain Array. This was an upgraded version of the array Lu Xuan had used to capture Chen Changsheng ten times!
If a powerful external enemy managed to breach the first layer, the second and third layers would instantly activate. The stronger the enemy, the further they would be randomly teleported! This upgraded version ensured the teleportation could not be interrupted unless the enemy fell to the ground.
Lu Xuan realized internally that Chen Changsheng had integrated the insights Lu Xuan had given him into the array design.
Chen Changsheng said, “Master, I plan to add a fourth layer.”
Lu Xuan asked, “What is your idea?”
Chen Changsheng explained, “In the event of an ultimate enemy breaking through the first three layers, the fourth layer will directly ‘Launch Azure Mystery Peak,’ locking onto your aura and Traversing the Void to find you, Master.”
“Of course, this situation would only occur if you were not on Azure Mystery Peak. After all, if you are here, you can suppress all enemies!”
Lu Xuan: “…”
The Wandering Azure Mystery Peak Plan?
Chen Changsheng asked, “Master, what do you think?”