With the spatial rabbit keeping watch, A Liang and the others dared not move, only waiting silently for the torment to descend.
Twenty minutes later,
Zhang Dali's expression was originally calm,
But when he saw the dishes in Chen Shu's hands, he was utterly stunned.
A plate of pitch-black pastries was placed before them, emitting a most peculiar aroma.
"This… thing of yours?!"
"What's wrong? Don't be shy, have some of my pig blood rice cakes!"
Chen Shu grinned and said, "I used black horn wild boar, quite nutritious."
"..."
Zhang Dali's mind was already reeling,
After a long pause, he said earnestly, "Chen Pi, after so long, how did you end up on the crooked path?"
"What? What did I do…"
Chen Shu looked innocently and said, "I think my previous dishes were too bland. Only through innovation can one surpass oneself."
"Chen Pi, promise me…"
Zhang Dali sighed and said,
"Never cook in front of my mentor. He'll think you're insulting the profession of Spirit Chef…"
"?"
Chen Shu's mouth twitched, and he said, "Is it that serious? Try the taste first! It's really good!"
Zhang Dali pursed his lips and said,
"Have you tried it yourself?"
"..."
Chen Shu instantly fell silent and slowly said, "I believe the best things should be left for everyone."
"Save it!"
Zhang Dali and the others wore strange expressions. Did he believe what he just said?
"If you want us to eat it, you have to try a bite."
The four had reached a consensus, strongly demanding Chen Shu try it himself.
"It's really good."
Chen Shu picked up his chopsticks, his face filled with composure,
But as he approached the pile of pastries, his hand trembled involuntarily…
"Uh… maybe next time. Let's try it next time…"
Chen Shu decisively poured the dish for Little Yellow, simultaneously changing the subject,
"Dali, why do you have time to come over now?"
"To go home with you all."
Zhang Dali said, "I'm also preparing for the winter break. I haven't seen my parents in a long time."
"Aren't you busy with the Food God Cup anymore?" Xiao Xing asked.
"I won the New Star Cup last time, so I don't need to participate in the preliminary rounds of the Food God Cup."
Chen Shu nodded and said, "Perfect timing, our academy starts its winter break the day after tomorrow. We'll leave together then."
"Alright!"
Zhang Dali nodded, and at the same time, placed his backpack in the dormitory,
"I have some things to do these two days. I'll come find you the day after tomorrow!"
With that, he turned and left the dormitory.
...
Resurrection Era Year 985, January 17th,
"A Liang, Old Wang, see you next semester!"
The five stood at the academy entrance, embarking on their respective journeys home.
"Okay."
A Liang waved and said, "Xiao Xing, Dali, be careful on your way!"
"Hm?"
Chen Shu raised an eyebrow and said, "What do you mean? I don't need to be careful?"
A Liang pouted, "What do you need to be careful about? As long as one stays away from you, it's safe!"
With that, he directly picked up his suitcase and ran off…
"..."
Chen Shu's mouth twitched. He ignored A Liang and summoned his Slime.
Its enormous size immediately attracted countless gazes,
"Dali, Xiao Xing, let's go!"
The three of them quickly climbed onto Little Yellow's head, and in an instant, they ascended into the air.
Zhang Dali asked, "Can we fly within the city too?"
"Of course!"
Chen Shu nodded. He was a Dragon Guard, after all, even if it was just a Bronze Armband, he still had the right to fly.
Moreover, he was a world champion. As long as he didn't ride his contracted spirit to crash into things, the authorities wouldn't bother him much.
In the afternoon, the three returned to Nanjiang City.
The Golden Slime landed at the entrance of Anju Residential Area. Xiao Xing had already returned home.
"We're here!"
Chen Shu and Zhang Dali used a spatial portal and instantly appeared on the ground.
"It's truly wonderful."
A hint of envy appeared in Zhang Dali's eyes.
His Spirit Chef talent was considered world-class, but in the end, he was just an ordinary person. He often envied Beast Tamers who could fly and tread on the earth.
"When I'm done fighting, I'll lend you my contracted spirit."
Chen Shu patted Zhang Dali's shoulder and said,
"By then, Little Yellow might be kilometers long. You'll be traveling on a mountain whenever you want."
"Really?!"
Longing appeared in Zhang Dali's eyes. He then touched Little Yellow's body, utterly delighted.
"Of course!"
Chen Shu shook his head and entered the residential area with Zhang Dali.
"Dali, I'm going home now!"
Chen Shu stood at Zhang Dali's doorstep, about to leave, but a voice from inside called out to him.
"Xiao Chen!"
Zhang Dali's father, Zhang Feng, was looking at him, seeming to have something to say.
"Uncle Zhang, is something wrong?"
Chen Shu was slightly taken aback, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"Uh… there is something. Why don't you come home for dinner?"
Zhang Feng's expression was actually a little reserved. Chen Shu's status was now extraordinary, enough to make ordinary Beast Tamers look up to him, no longer the student he was.
"Sure, no problem!"
Chen Shu nodded and entered Zhang Dali's house, saying with a smile,
"Uncle Zhang, you don't have to be like this. No matter how much I've changed, I'm still Chen Pi who you used to beat up."
"Hm?"
Zhang Feng was slightly stunned, then said, "Then get in here, you brat!"
"..."
Chen Shu's mouth twitched. He was completely flustered. Did he have to change so quickly…
He even suspected that Zhang Feng's earlier demeanor was an act…
The three sat on the sofa. Chen Shu was not polite, making himself a cup of tea and savoring it leisurely.
"Uncle Zhang, whatever it is, you can just tell me directly!"
His expression was calm, and he said confidently, "Whether the Beast Taming world is chaotic or not, it's all decided by me, the Fierce Bandit, now!"
"..."
Zhang Feng shook his head and said,
"We've found traces of a great fierce beast. The risk is a bit high, but the profit is quite good. Are you interested?"
"Fierce beast?"
Chen Shu was slightly taken aback, feeling unconcerned.
Zhang Feng was only a Black Iron level Beast Tamer. The 'great fierce beast' he spoke of might not even withstand a single skill from Er Ha.
"Uncle Zhang, what level is the fierce beast exactly?"
"Can't determine. Its aura is too powerful. My contracted spirit dares not even approach within a kilometer of it."
"That powerful?"
Chen Shu raised an eyebrow and quickly asked, "Which dimensional space is it in?"
"Qingyuan Forest!"
"Hm?"
Chen Shu's expression froze. He instantly recalled the first dimensional space he explored that summer…