Chapter 32: Medicinal Chef [Please Add to Collection]

“It was my mistake. Let us introduce ourselves properly. I am Song Changsheng. It is an honor to meet you, Fellow Daoist Zhu,” Song Changsheng said, cupping his hands solemnly.

“It seems Fellow Daoist Song has agreed to become friends with me?”

“Fellow Daoist Zhu possesses a chivalrous heart. To speak up for a complete stranger is a noble deed. Meeting you is a stroke of luck for my longevity.”

Song Changsheng was quite willing to make friends with those who showed goodwill; after all, in this life, having more friends is always better than having more enemies.

“Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Song overpraises me. I simply could not stand seeing that man swindling people everywhere. Today, it feels as though we have known each other for a lifetime. If you are not busy, why don't we find a place to share a few drinks?” While Zhu Yiqun spoke with humility, he was actually beaming with joy inside.

Song Changsheng had already finished his stroll, so he nodded upon hearing Zhu Yiqun's suggestion. “That sounds excellent. I have heard that the Yushi Workshop in the Liuyun Market has exceptional culinary skills. Why don't we try their craftsmanship there?”

“Hahaha, splendid! After you, Fellow Daoist Song.” Zhu Yiqun agreed readily. Since he had been the one to suggest a drink, it would be inappropriate for him to choose the location—after all, the two were not yet that close...

The Yushi Workshop was a booming restaurant. Its owner did not belong to any single faction in Lingzhou, nor even to the Great Qi cultivation world.

Because it was a multi-national chain restaurant with deep connections, it was said that even in the most chaotic places, as long as you entered a Yushi Workshop, no one could touch you.

Over time, dining at the Yushi Workshop had become a symbol of status.

Song Changsheng chose this location for two reasons: first, to show respect, and second, to prevent any ill intentions. Making friends was one thing, but one must always maintain a necessary level of vigilance.

“Welcome, honored guests. How many in your party, and what may I serve you?” As soon as they entered, a smiling waiter approached them with a warm greeting. His attitude was respectful without being fawning, striking a perfect balance.

Song Changsheng scanned the surroundings and found that although the first floor was spacious, it was somewhat noisy. He did not care for such an environment, so he said to the waiter, “Do you have any private rooms? I would like one by the window, and please bring some of your signature dishes and wines.”

The waiter nodded immediately. “Of course, we do. Please, follow me.”

The waiter led them to a private room named "Orchid." After pouring tea, he said, “Honored guests, your food and wine will arrive shortly. Please wait a moment.”

“Thank you for your trouble.” Song Changsheng tactfully produced two spirit stones as a tip.

After the waiter left, Song Changsheng motioned for Zhu Yiqun to sit and asked, “If I may ask, which sect did Fellow Daoist Zhu originate from?”

Zhu Yiqun smiled and said, “I am a rogue cultivator. I cannot compare to you, Fellow Daoist Song.”

Seeing that he didn't sound like he was lying, Song Changsheng was inwardly surprised. The man appeared to be around his own age, yet he could not see through him, suggesting his cultivation was quite impressive.

If he truly was a rogue cultivator, then this man's talent was extraordinary.

Though he noticed Song Changsheng's confusion, Zhu Yiqun had no intention of clearing it up. Instead, he pointed toward Song Changsheng's waist. “Fellow Daoist Song, I can already smell the aroma of wine. You have good liquor on you.”

Song Changsheng froze, then took the precious gourd from his waist, saying in surprise, “Your sense of smell is truly keen; you actually noticed that.”

The fat man burst into laughter. He drained his teacup in one gulp and placed it in front of Song Changsheng. “I don't just have a keen nose; I also have excellent taste. The first time I saw you outside the market that day, I felt you were someone worth knowing. Smelling this wine today only confirms it. You have good wine, and I am a gourmet; we are a perfect match.”

“Hahaha, I suspect you have had your eye on my spiritual wine for a while now, haven't you?”

Song Changsheng teased him, then pulled the stopper and filled both cups. Instantly, a soul-soothing fragrance of wine filled the private room.

With eyes gleaming, Zhu Yiqun lifted the cup, took a light sniff, and then a small sip. He immediately squinted his eyes, and after a long moment, he licked his lips. “This wine is mellow upon entry, smooth without being harsh, with a long-lasting aftertaste. Good wine, truly excellent wine.”

With that, he drained the cup, a look of utter satisfaction on his face.

Song Changsheng refilled his cup and smiled. “This is spiritual wine brewed by my mother's own hands. If we weren't so kindred in spirit, I wouldn't have been willing to share it.”

“Is that so? Then I must drink more.” Zhu Yiqun tilted his head back, and the cup was empty in an instant.

The two began to drink together, raising their cups in toast.

Before long, the waiter brought out the food and wine.

A small plate of dried meat, a steamed spiritual fish, and several side dishes of meat and vegetables.

As soon as they were placed on the table, the aroma of the food firmly suppressed the scent of the wine that had filled the room.

“The Yushi Workshop lives up to its reputation. It is perfect in color, aroma, and taste. The ingredients and seasonings used are all high-quality spiritual materials,” Zhu Yiqun said with satisfaction.

“Fellow Daoist Zhu says he is a gourmet. I wonder where the dishes of the Yushi Workshop rank in your heart?” Song Changsheng asked, taking a light sip of wine.

Zhu Yiqun smiled and said with full confidence, “Among all the food I have ever eaten, the Yushi Workshop easily ranks in the top five. But if you count everything I know of, it would fall outside the top fifty.”

Song Changsheng picked up a piece of fish. Upon tasting it, he was instantly stunned by its exquisite flavor. Hearing Zhu Yiqun's words, he asked skeptically, “The Yushi Workshop only makes the top five? You have eaten four things better than this?”

“Of course. However, three of them are places you wouldn't even recognize if I named them,” Zhu Yiqun nodded decisively.

“Does that mean there is one that I do know?” Song Changsheng frowned in thought, finding it hard to believe anyone in the territory of Lingzhou could surpass the Yushi Workshop.

Seeing his contemplative frown, Zhu Yiqun gave a mischievous smile and pointed a chubby finger at his own nose. “It's me, Fellow Daoist Song. Tell me, do you know me or not?”

“Fellow Daoist, you said you were a gourmet. Do you also possess culinary skills?” Song Changsheng eyed him with suspicion. When a cultivator claimed to have culinary skills, it meant they were a ranked Spiritual Chef, not just someone who could wave a spatula around.

“You are being narrow-minded. How can a gourmet not know how to cook? I am merely an unskilled First-Order Peak Grade Medicinal Chef,” Zhu Yiqun said, cupping his hands with great solemnity.

Song Changsheng was truly surprised this time. A Medicinal Chef was a genuinely niche profession, second only to Sword Smiths in rarity. He hadn't expected this fat man to have such a skill.

“It seems you still don't believe me. I shall have to show you a trick.”

Zhu Yiqun pulled a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve. He opened the stopper and poured some yellowish-brown powder onto the dried meat, saying proudly, “This is a special seasoning I made myself. I am not boasting, but no matter what dish it is, once you add a bit of this, the flavor is guaranteed to reach a new level. Please, judge for yourself.”

Song Changsheng picked up a piece of dried meat with skepticism. After discreetly ensuring there was no danger, he put it in his mouth.

As he chewed slightly, Song Changsheng's pupils instantly dilated...

(End of Chapter)